"You never want to count anybody out, but the path for them to make the Opening Night roster was a difficult one. Because at that age and experience level, to come in and beat out the likes of Ethan Frank, Miroshnichenko - these guys have been at it for a long time. So it was a tall, tall ask. And I thought both guys had really good camps, but it's a process to develop and play at this level."
"It's the best league in the world for a reason, and it is not easy. I don't care if you're drafted in the first round, top 10 pick, second round, or had the most successful junior or college season. It's a hard league. So, some time in the American League for both those guys, I think, will be a huge benefit for their long-term development, for their careers, and their success one day in the NHL."
Washington assigned top under-20 forwards Andrew Cristall and Ilya Protas to the Hershey Bears after they impressed in training camp but faced steep competition for NHL roster spots. The organization determined that beating out established players such as Ethan Frank and Miroshnichenko for an Opening Night spot was a tall task given their age and experience. Time in the AHL is expected to accelerate professional development, expose the prospects to a higher level of play, and support long-term NHL readiness. The head coach's extensive background across OHL, ECHL and AHL informed the decision. Cristall scored two goals in four preseason games.
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