The Washington Capitals have several young players working toward the NHL, and the Hershey Bears will once again be a major part of the organization's development pipeline in 2026-27.

Hershey opens the regular season Oct. 3 against the Charlotte Checkers at GIANT Center.

• Why To Subscribe With An Annual Subscription To FloHockey
• Atlantic Hockey America Stage Set For Especially Competitive Season
• What's Streaming This Week On FloHockey: Sept. 21-27, 2026

Here are three Capitals prospects to watch with Hershey in 2026-27.

Andrew Cristall, F

Andrew Cristall is coming off an impressive first professional season with the Bears.

The Capitals selected Cristall in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, and the 21-year-old recorded 20 goals and 40 assists for 60 points while playing all 72 games for Hershey last season.

Cristall finished third among AHL rookies in scoring and led all first-year players with 40 assists.

He is competing for an NHL opportunity during training camp, but Washington's added forward depth could send him back to Hershey, where he would immediately be one of the team's top offensive threats.

Terik Parascak, F

Terik Parascak is ready to make the full-time jump to professional hockey.

Washington selected Parascak No. 17 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. He recorded 33 goals and 46 assists for 79 points in 61 games with the Prince George Cougars last season.

Parascak joined Hershey after his WHL season and appeared in one AHL game.

Now 20, Parascak is eligible to play full time in the AHL, and NHL.com projects him to spend the season developing with the Bears.

Lynden Lakovic, F

Lynden Lakovic gives the Capitals another first-round prospect who could make his way to Hershey.

The No. 27 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft recorded 18 goals and 11 assists in 22 games for Moose Jaw last season before a shoulder injury ended his year.

At 6-foot-4, Lakovic combines size with skating ability and offensive upside. He is competing in Capitals training camp, but he's now eligible for the AHL and could continue his development in Hershey if he doesn't make Washington.

Watch the AHL, ECHL, QMJHL, OHL, USHL And More On FloHockey

FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.

Join The Conversation On Social

• Follow us on X @FloHockey
• Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
• Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook