Vanecek's career path includes time with Washington, contributing to a broader context of his experience against top competition and in high-stakes games.

Leonsis owns Capitals since 1999; he also runs Wizards from 2010 and Mystics. He favors staying local and avoids adding nonlocal teams, emphasizing authenticity and long-term DC roots.

Rookie Camp culminated in a lively mini scrimmage at Annapolis, with staff-led sessions and a team-bus bag-carry ritual; main camp will shift to Virginia later in the week, as Capitals evaluate prospects for NHL depth.

Capitals feature a mix of sturdy veterans and young blueliners vying for offensive opportunities. With top-unit PP time potentially available, several defenders could translate minutes into fantasy value.

Sandin has a chance to build fantasy value as a versatile defender who can contribute with minutes and opportunistic offense, depending on his PP usage and depth chart position.