Vincent Iorio was the Washington Capitals\u2019 top pick in the 2021 NHL draft, selected 55th overall in the second round. Since beginning his professional hockey career in 2023, the slick-skating, puck-moving defenseman has won two Calder Cups with the Hershey Bears and played 10 NHL games for the Capitals as an injury replacement \u2014 nine in the regular season and one in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
The Coquitlam, British Columbia native is well-liked in the organization and has shown promise on the ice, but is now at a crossroads in his Capitals career. Since Iorio is in his fifth year with the Caps \u2014 he technically signed his entry-level contract during his age-19 season \u2014 he is one of several significant prospects, including Clay Stevenson and Hendrix Lapierre, who must pass through NHL waivers<\/a> if Washington wants to assign them to the AHL.<\/p>\n Making the situation more thorny, the Capitals essentially have their top six starters on defense decided with Jakob Chychrun, John Carlson, Matt Roy, Rasmus Sandin, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Martin Feherary all returning. Caps management also traded for Declan Chisholm over the offseason to serve in a reserve role as the seventh defender. Iorio may be competing with Dylan McIlrath for a potential eighth defenseman spot that may or may not exist when opening night rosters are due next week.<\/p>\n Iorio admitted to assembled reporters on Tuesday that situation had weighed on him, but he\u2019s tried to center his mind on what he can control.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe a little bit,\u201d he said on Tuesday. \u201cHonestly, I just try to focus on what I do to prepare every day. I take things day by day and just continue to do what I\u2019ve been doing since I\u2019ve turned pro. I\u2019ve learned a lot of things from a lot of guys, and my parents have taught me to approach things day by day and really be grateful for every opportunity you have. That\u2019s just what I\u2019m going to continue to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Another factor working against Iorio is that the Capitals haven\u2019t added a defenseman from Hershey to their everyday lineup since Fehervary graduated to the team full-time during the 2021-22 season. The depth chart on the Caps, especially with such an established defense core, could be discouraging for a younger player, but Iorio says he just focuses on his game and tries not to worry about the bigger picture.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, as I said earlier, my parents told me to take things day by day, especially right now,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of things going on, a lot of moving pieces, moving parts, and, you know, as an Italian, we really value family. So, making sure I call my parents every day and give them the scoop.\u201d<\/p>\n Iorio has done his best to make an impact during his first two preseason appearances and force the Capitals into a difficult decision. In his first game against the Boston Bruins on September 21, Iorio was on the ice for two of the Capitals\u2019 five-on-five goals, while he individually blocked five shots and threw three hits.<\/p>\n \u201cI liked his game in Boston. I thought it was strong,\u201d Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said. \u201cHe\u2019s being physical when he can. He\u2019s winning loose pucks. He\u2019s winning net front situations.\u201d<\/p>\n Iorio next played on September 25 against the Philadelphia Flyers at Hershey\u2019s Giant Center. He earned the primary assist on a Sonny Milano goal in the second period.<\/p>\n And later in the third period, Iorio clearly scored a goal, quickly hitting the back bar of the net and out. The tally, however, was not detected by on-ice officials. The missed goal left Iorio throwing his hands up and laughing in disbelief during the next whistle.<\/p>\n