Capitals Rising: Chesley in 25/26, Wilson Eyes Olympics & Logan Thompson Snubbed Again!
On today’s show, Ryan Chesley, the future game changer for the Capitals Blueline. You’re Locked on Capitals, your daily podcast on the Washington Capitals, part of the Locked On Network, your team every day. Well, hello and welcome into this edition of Locked on Capitals, part of the Locked On podcast network, your team every day. My name is Dan Holy. I’ve covered the Capitals for the past three seasons for Locked On and various other outlets before that. I’m also the host of the weekly show called The Capitals Minute Cast, available wherever you find your podcasts. And as always, I want to thank you for making this your first listen of the day. Today’s episode is brought to you by our friends at Monarch Money. Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code locked on NHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. So, in this edition of Locked On Capitals, will this be the season for Tom Wilson for Team Canada on the Olympics? Uh, listen, it’s not a for sure thing yet, but he was invited to the orientation. What’s the latest with number 43? A bit later, we’ll talk about how things went in a different direction as Logan Thompson got snubbed for Team Canada, if you can believe it. Uh but just to get it going here, there’s a lot to cover in today’s episode. We talk about Ryan Chesley. Uh a bluel liner of the future for the Capitals that I believe is going to be an absolute gamecher. Uh in this first segment, I’ll talk about how the Capitals acquired him in the first place and kind of where he’s developed up to this current moment and ultimately what we can expect from him in the 25 and 26 season. So, a lot to get to. Let’s dive right into it. Talking about Ryan Chesley. Um, you know, and he might not be a name, you know, if you’re more of a casual Capitals fan that you’re like, who is this guy that they’re talking about? But bookmark it in your mind as the one that I think the Capitals got right at the draft. Now, to be clear here, I think the Capitals, you know, generally do well at the draft, but I think that Ryan Chesley and how they had to move things around a bit to get it done, uh, was pretty impressive. So, you go back to July 8th of 2022 and the Capitals traded then Netminer VTEC Vanichek and the 46th overall pick to New Jersey. Uh, what did the Capitals get in return? They move up to 37 and snake chestley which turned out to be an absolute steal in my opinion as Vanichek has kind of bounced around and was never really the answer for the Capitals Annette. They also get pick 70 and that 37th pick was the move. Um so that’s the big thing you know and um all things considered we know that he spent um a lot of time kind of you know developing his game at the University of Minnesota. Uh but this last May here, he signed a three-year entrylevel contract. Uh that the wheels are in motion uh for Ryan Chesley on the Capitals and expect big things from him and Hershey that um you know I expect that Hershey team to take it to even the next level. And uh talking about Hershey here for a moment, a lot of players have gone overseas in the AHL and in Chocolate Town in particular, talking about going uh to to Russia, talking about going to Sweden, those kind of things that uh uh that there are a lot of departures and some great additions though uh relatively here recently. He signed a 923,333 AAV uh if you are keeping track at home. And uh that deal is set to kick in in the 2526 season. Again, there’s a lot of Capitals hockey to watch. There’s a lot of NHL hockey to watch. But if you have the time, uh watch the games. If you can’t make it to Hershey, uh there’s a lot of options or there’s options, shall we say, uh to watch them online. It’s always a fun viewing to watch the Hershey Bears. So, what do we know about this guy, Ryan Chesley? He just capped off his college career at Minnesota. Oh, yeah. As the team captain, put up 20 points in 40 games, career-highs across the board. Um, and you know, you take a look at the Capitals prospects and you know, the time between now and the start of the season, I’m going to cover prospects pretty heavily, uh, at least for one segment of the show. Uh but in all of that, you will notice that the Capitals have some really great options. Uh also for Minnesota led the team in block shots 73. That’s no joke. And uh when you take a look at the questions on the Capitals Blue Line in the future, uh go ahead and put Chesley’s name as one of the answers on the blue line. Uh, also on the bigger stage, he’s a two-time world junior medalist with Team USA, bronze in 23, and gold in 24. The accolades, they just keep going. And during that gold medal game, he logged 25 minutes of ice time. Uh, that’s no fluke. And 25 minutes, you know, a guy that can put up quality minutes. Uh, kind of reminds you of John Carlsonesque, uh, if you know what I’m talking about. A minute monster. And, uh, I think is going to be huge. And um you know after Minnesota uh University of Minnesota wrapped up their season uh he joined Hershey after the college season on an amateur triot. He played four games and had three points. Not too bad. And um you know a lot of young talent brewing. We know about Leonard. We know about Crystal Chesley in the mix. Uh it is an exciting time to be a Capitals fan. Like I’ve said, if you’re an everyday of the show, you know this. The Capitals are good now. If you can believe it, they are going to be even better uh in years to come. But talking about making an impression in that amateur try out, putting up four uh excuse me, three points in four games. Uh that is a pro debut that uh you can build from. And um you know, you know, kind of drilling down um to more of a granular level. What kind of guy is Chesley? What kind of game does he bring? What will he bring to the Capitals? Chesley’s game, uh, I guess what I’m going to say is more of a mature game. Uh, he is a mobile stay-at-home frame, but isn’t afraid, um, to activate either if the time is right. And you see that with a lot of, um, you know, modern defenseman, blueliners that, you know, of course, good defensively, but can also get involved uh, in the offense as well. Big shot, high hockey IQ. Again, that is the common theme with the young players is that high hockey IQ, loves to block shots and loves to get physical, I think, for the Capitals if there’s, you know, check, check, check, check. He ex he checks all the boxes as far as I’m concerned. And the thing about him that, you know, when you watch his game is you realize the dude is responsible. And uh you know the thing of it is and I know that there is this thirst, there’s this hunger uh to see a lot of these younger guys, but I think in the case of Chesley, uh the the Caps and the Caps generally speaking don’t like to rush defenseman. Um they let them marinate in Hershey for a while and just to let them work on their pro game. You know, it’s not a pjorative. It’s not a knock on them that they’re playing in Hershey. Still pro hockey. Um but you know if Chesley starts 25 26 the way he ended last year um he could be on the big team sooner than any of us think and also with John Carlson potentially going into his final season and questions around Trevor Van Remdsteike and you know different players you know that they are looking uh for the answer. So, you know, depending on how um how well he plays and Hershey, you know, I wouldn’t rule out a call up during the season uh at some point. Um so, you take a look at it. Thoughts on the blue line depth, the Capitals blue line depth, um you know, was exposed, I guess I’m going to say, in the playoffs when Alexia was the only viable option that um if Chesley, uh if he can really grow his game in Hershey, uh I think that he can be one of the long-term answers. And the bigger question I think um is does this open the door for a trade um you know and that’s an interesting thing is there is some talent on the blue line but it doesn’t have to be a trade on the blue line but I think that if Chesley uh is the answer you know it’s not going to be as big uh of a you know a void if you will when John Carlson retires or gets traded or whatever the case is is they’re looking for a guy that can put up big minutes. Uh, I think that a guy like Chesley can be just that. So, you take a look in this segment, I’m talking about where it all started, you know, getting drafted, you know, the Capitals having to trade at that time. One of the pieces that was thought to be the answer and that Vanichek out to the Devils that moved them in the draft. So, they were able to get him killed it with Minnesota was the captain signed that entry level deal is going to play in Hershey. I think the trajectory for Ryan Chesley is pointed straight up. All right. So, after the break here, we’ll talk about Wilson’s Olympic dream. Uh, listen, he got snubbed at the Four Nations faceoff. I do not think that Team Canada will make that mistake again. I’ll discuss straight ahead. Ever wish managing your money felt easier? With Monarch Money, it can. Whether you’re growing your savings or planning a big purchase, Monarch puts you in the driver’s seat, it’s like having your own personal CFO, giving you full visibility and control over your finances. Monarch Money is more than a budgeting app. It is a complete financial command center. You can track all of your accounts, investments, and spending in one place. So, in addition in addition to managing your money, you’re also building your wealth. And what I liked about Monarch Money is you can kind of drill down on your finances. You can take a look at what you’re spending your money on wisely and maybe things that you could work on. I realized that I was doing good things, saving for retirement, but not so great. I was spending money on sports memorabilia and going out to eat. That is never wise. And also, if you are in a relationship, you can help plan your financial future together. There is so much to love about monarch money. So, do what I did. Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code locked on NHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. That’s monarchmoney.com. Code locked on NHL for half off your first year. All right, welcome back into this edition of Locked On Capitals, part of the Locked on Podcast Network. your team every day. You can find me over on Twitter. It’s dancaps228. You can find the show on Twitter. It’s locked. So, in segment two here, we’re talking about Tom Wilson’s Olympic dream that I think could become a reality. And uh you take a look back at the Four Nations faceoff and I still to this day do not understand why Tom Wilson was not selected goalcorer leader. He could have been the physical deterrent uh when Canada was getting in fights, right? And you know one of the things that we know about Wilson is he was at home just kind of like put me in coaches, put me out there, I would take care of him. It looks like he very well could get his opportunity as he um will be at the orientation uh for team Canada. But listen, it is a stacked room and uh even though we know what Tom Wilson means to the Capitals, um you know, it is there’s a lot of great players up north. Um so, is there a real chance uh that number 43 is in the mix? Let’s dive into it. There is a lot to get to and the exciting thing here is Tom Wilson got that invite to Canada’s national teams orientation camp. So, one foot in the right direction. Uh, and we’re talking about team Canada. Yes, the Olympic one. I know I mentioned the four nations, but this is the Olympics. Uh, this is the real deal. Now, the thing to know or understand is this is not the final roster or anything. Kind of, you know, just testing the waters. tipping putting your toe in the water, if you will. Um, it is just an orientation camp that takes place between August 26th through the 28th in Calgary. Uh, but this is a big deal and for Tom Wilson, you know, I know that when he got snubbed, I guess you could say, for the Four Nations face off, he tried to downplay it a little bit. He did, um, you know, state his displeasure, but he didn’t make too big of a deal of it. But uh putting the past in the past, he is one of the 42 NHLers invited and well, yeah, he is going to be in some elite company. Oh, maybe you’ve heard these names, Crosby, McDavid, Sam Bennett. Uh so yeah, again, he is going to be in elite company. And you know, I I know I’m from the US, but you know, with that lineup, you got to kind of be pulling for team Canada in a way. I know people from the US that don’t at me. I can like who I like and uh it’s not that I don’t want Team USA to win, don’t get me wrong. It’s just like that’s an exciting game to watch is what I’m going to say. And with Wilson uh potentially playing for team Canada, well, there’s vested interest uh for all of us. So, look, it’s earned. You know what? You take a look what he’s done this last year, career numbers. Um everyone that’s, you know, kind of pigeons holes him into, you know, this single dimensional player. You know, he’s just a Ryan Reeves junkyard dog kind of player. not the case. 33 goals, 32 assists, 65 points in 81 games, career numbers, folks. And um you know, it’s and we know you know the scoring, the offense is a good thing. It’s the leadership. It’s playing on special teams very well. And the physical deterrent um you know, that’s not something that’s easily quantifiable. You don’t see it on the back of a hockey card. But uh again to go back to the four nations and the physicality that ensued um I think that the sheriff for the Capitals could have helped even the score. Um but you take a look at him is more of a mature Tom Wilson. Uh he is not the guy that gets involved in all of the fisticuffs quite the same way uh that we have seen from him in the past. Still, you know, no stranger to it. uh still had 100 and penalty minutes because you know he’s still Tom Wilson. I think that’s down from what was it 133. So um a more mature Tom Wilson and uh like I’ve said on the show if you’re an everyday uh Tom Wilson was talking to Vogues on the Break the Ice podcast and he said I’m better served out on the ice that I don’t need to answer the bell to every you know fourthline AHL callup guy. I know my game. I know who I am. I’m confident in what kind of player I am and the proof’s in the pudding. You know, that reduction of pin minutes, 33 goals, 32 assists, 65 points in 81 games. Um, that those are career offensive numbers. And uh, like I said, what is in it for team Canada? He is a beast in, you know, uh, in the playoffs, on the big stage, uh, seven points in 10 games. So, he is no stranger to playing games that have big impact. And yeah, I guess I’m going to go ahead and say the Olympic Games have big impact. You know, it’s not games that um you know, they’re getting paid for by the team, but still to represent your country, uh I think is huge and means a lot for these players. I question it sometimes just based on the fact that what if they get injured in the Olympics, right? That uh a game that you’re not really getting paid for um then your team is on the hook. Say a Wilson got injured. But I’ve learned over time that um you you got to kind of look past that. Um many people that I’ve talked to and you know my uh just mulling it over is it’s not it’s not about the player and the team all the time or it’s not about the team all the time shall we say. It’s about what’s important um to the players. And in this case it’s very important for Wilson to play for Canada. So you know if that means a lot to them and it does uh then so be it. Uh but the thing is, you know, I think that what uh where he provides value is um playing on special teams, log huge minutes, playing on both special teams. Um but you know, it’s more than that. It’s the leadership. It’s how he got the A for a reason and a C uh at some point once uh Ovuchkin uh hangs up the skates. And um you know, the thing about him is he’s vocal and he sets the tone and he’s not afraid of making his presence known. a little over the top. You know, the crybaby face, you know, the the lifted helmet off the top of his head that he is definitely not afraid of chirping and trying to get under the skin of the opponent. Yet again, uh not a thing that is easily quantifiable or something you can find on the back of a hockey card, but one of the skills that he has in his vast skill set. And the thing of it is, you know, he will put up numbers. He’s a leader, but he’s also not afraid of running you through the boards. But now he’ll also bury a one-timer and skate off without even chirping at times. Uh, you know, I guess, you know, when I when it comes to Wilson, it’s like if you bring it to him, be prepared. He’s not afraid. I don’t think that he leans into that uh as much as he did when he’s he was younger. But if you want to bring that game to him, well, game on. So, you know, you take a look at Wilson’s game uh you know, how it’s matured. Has he matured? Yeah. Still terrifying also. Yes. that uh if you are an opponent of the you know whatever team it is uh the opponent whether it’s in the Olympics or the opponent of the Capitals you better look out because he is not afraid of running you down. Wilson said this summer about it quote that it is a huge privilege unquote just to be in the conversation. So despite what some people have thought over the years about you know playing in the Olympics and you know the the risk of injury that kind of thing and you know to be clear here to kind of circle back there you know you take a look at um this Kachchuck from the Panthers uh that got injured in the four nations faceoff and uh Brad Marshand memory serves as well. So you know um these players that can miss a substantial amount of time you know that’s you know I still it resonates with me. I’ve just learned that it’s not about me. It’s not about being a Capitals fan. It’s about what makes these players happy. Um, you know, and it’s tr it’s true because Wilson said, uh, quote, “Something as a kid you couldn’t even dream of,” unquote. That, you know, playing in the NHL is huge, but being able to represent your home country uh, is something that’s huge. So, it’s not official yet. Uh, but he is close. Uh now does he actually make team Canada? I think he will. Again, if nothing else, you know, putting up those career numbers, the physicality, the leadership, he cannot be denied. Uh but what what Wilson brings something they don’t have an abundance of a legit power forward who can score, hit, and kill penalties. This is a story I will be tracking all season. So, make sure and keep it uh to locked on Capitals as we are pulling for Tom Wilson and hoping that he can live out his childhood dream of representing Canada uh in the Olympics. All right, so after the break here, it’s not all good news for Capitals players in the Olympics as Logan Thompson snubbed again. Yeah, can you believe it? I’ll break it all down next. All right, welcome back into this edition of Locked On Capitals, part of the Locked On podcast network, your team every day. The best way that you can help grow the show is to subscribe to Locked On Capitals on YouTube and comment anything down below. So, in the final segment of the show, Logan Thompson snubbed again. Oh man, can you guys believe it? What does this guy need to do to catch a break? We know that he was snubbed in the Four Nations faceoff. We know that he was at one point one of the finalists for the Vzna. And now not to even be in the conversation for Team Canada. Wow. It’s interesting how you can make some comments and, you know, talk to your agent about, you know, wanting to be traded and some people are going to hold a grudge and to their detriment. you know, it’s uh uh biting off your nose to spite your face, if you will. And I think that in this case, uh Canada bit off its own nose to spite its face. So, let’s dive into that in the final segment, segment three. And uh again, I I I feel bad for LT as what does this guy have to do except put up big numbers, career numbers. Let’s get into it. There is a lot yet still to cover as we’re talking LT. And um you know I in the previous segment I was talking about Wilson’s Olympic stock rising you know being in invited to the orientation. Um but the big snub was Logan Thompson again if you can believe it and team Canada didn’t invite their number one goalie to its orientation camp. So just go ahead and scratch his name off the list. And you know for me it’s confusing actually. Scratch that. For me as a Capitals fan, it is infuriating because if you want to look at the numbers, and that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day, isn’t it? His numbers 31 6 and six, a 910 save percentage in the regular season, 917 in the playoffs, and fourth in Vzna voting. Team Canada, I am looking squarely at you. What gives? Um, it doesn’t make any sense. and what does he need to do? Because if you want to take a look at the players that were invited, Jordan Bennington, Aiden Hill, and Sam Montembbo. Uh now, no disrespect to these guys, but come on. Um you know, if just look at the numbers. Logan Thompson outperformed them. Better save percentage, more consistency, fewer losses. What gives team Canada? Uh he even had the best save percentage among CA Canadian born goalies with at least 43 games played. Uh so why the snub? You know, that’s the question. And um obviously it’s not the numbers, right? You take a look at it. He did everything. So let’s get spicy. Let’s take a deep dive into the conspiratorial waters, shall we? You’re going to want a snorkel or some sort of oxygen mask here. Uh remember Thompson asked for a trade out of Vegas and well they didn’t forget coaches like Bruce Cassidy and Pete Dbor well here we go part of team Canada’s Olympic staff where there’s smoke there’s fire and there is a lot of smoke and if you live in the northern states you know there is a lot of smoke from the fires in Canada so reportedly didn’t love the relationship and uh it’s not just me analyst Steve Valicette said it might be personal. Might be might be. Oh, I’m going to go ahead and say it is personal. Those uh past Vegas tensions could be could be why Thompson isn’t even in the mix. Talk about just I don’t know. You know, I have a hard time holding a grudge in my day-to-day life. So, unless you do something truly horrible to me, um I’m not going to hold it against you. And what did he say? That he wanted a trade out of Vegas. Is is is that the most horrible thing in the world? Um, if it’s true, uh, that does not set a good precedent here because, uh, if Canada’s passing over on one of the best net minders over old coaching drama, give me a freaking break, guys. That’s not a hockey decision. That is, I’m going to call it. It’s a grudge. Grow up, guys. Uh, look, Logan Thompson isn’t flashy, but he wins. He battles and he deserves to be there. His numbers are better than the other goalies invited. Uh the Olympic dream isn’t dead, but team Canada better wake up before someone else lights them up in Milan. Um you know, so you take a look at it. It’s it’s not over. Uh but do I think that Canada would be better with Logan Thompson? A duh, of course. Um is this Canada’s loss? I think it is. or is Thompson still going to make noise and prove them wrong again by what? Putting up record numbers again. Um that you know I I hate to say this but you know you kind of lose respect for those guys if in fact that is what happened here. Um that you know and people would say well that you know maybe you’re just looking at this the wrong way because you’re a Capitals fan. No, I I’m really not doing that because let’s look at let me reiterate 316 and six 910 save percentage 917 save percentage in the playoffs. Fourth in Bezna. There is no ambiguity there. It is very clear uh to me anyway that this is a snub. And as Capitals fans uh I think that you should feel infuriated as well. Now some of you might be saying, “Dan, what’s the big deal, dude? He’s still going to be playing for the Capitals.” and touche. I hear that. But I think, you know, just like in segment two, like I talked about how important it is for Wilson that I think it’s equally important for Logan Thompson, even though he might be a little bit dismissal of it or dismissive of it, right? Um so at the end of the day, I think Canada got it wrong and um you know, it’d be interesting if they get their you know what handed to them because their net minder is subpar. It’ll be an interesting story line to follow and of course I will have you guys covered the entire way on Locked on Capitals. All right, once again I want to thank you for joining me on this edition of Locked on Capitals, your only daily podcast covering the Capitals. And I want to thank all of you that listen on the audio side and watch this on YouTube. You are what makes this show successful. When you’re done here, head on over to Locked on NHL as they have you covered five days a week, available wherever you find your podcasts and on YouTube. All right, once again, I want to thank you for joining me on this edition of Locked On Capitals, part of the Locked On podcast network. It is your team every day. My name is Dan Holy and I’ll talk to you again next time.
The Washington Capitals signed 2022 second-round pick Ryan Chesley to a three-year entry-level contract beginning in 2025–26. Chesley, a former standout at the University of Minnesota, served as captain in his final NCAA season, posting a career-high 20 points and leading his team in blocked shots. After his collegiate season, he joined the AHL’s Hershey Bears and tallied three points in four games, showcasing his NHL readiness. Known for his two-way reliability, strong skating, and defensive instincts, Chesley appears poised to make the jump to the NHL in the near future.
Meanwhile, veteran winger Tom Wilson was invited to Team Canada’s Olympic orientation camp, putting him one step closer to representing his country in Milan. Wilson is coming off a career-best 65-point season and remains one of the league’s most physical and versatile forwards. On the flip side, goaltender Logan Thompson—who posted stellar numbers and finished fourth in Vezina voting—was shockingly left off the invite list, potentially due to past tensions with Team Canada’s coaching staff. Despite his snub, Thompson remains a top-tier talent in net and could force his way into Olympic discussions with another elite season.
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