Andrew Gordon a Cap.....

I figured with all the forwards already in Washington that Gordon would return to Hershey for another season but I didn't really factor in the waiver wire.

Much like Chris Bourque last year, Gordon would have to clear waivers to end up in Hershey. And considering his talent, production, and age I wouldn't be so sure that he would get through.

Now keep in mind that if he were to be picked up he would have to clear waivers again to get him to the AHL which, like Bourque last year, could allow for Washington/Hershey to come in and get him back.

Corey Masisak seems to think he will be in Washington to start the season...

Gordon scored 37 goals for Hershey last regular season and added 13 more in the Calder Cup playoffs. He doesn’t turn 25 until December, and is versatile enough to play on either an energy line or a scoring line at the AHL level and maybe in the big leagues as well. Plus he earns high marks for his work ethic and compatibility in the dressing room.

Does that sound like a player some NHL franchises might be interested in acquiring for free? Um, yes. The Capitals have 13 forwards signed to one-way contracts. Subtract Michael Nylander and add Johansson or Perreault or Aucoin, and that is 13 forwards on the opening-night roster. If Washington only carries seven defensemen that leaves one spot open.

Gordon would have to clear waivers if he is sent back to Hershey. Does he make the team in part because the Capitals are worried about losing him for nothing? If no other forwards are moved between now and cutdown day, that might be a pretty sound bet.

In the same post Masisak also lists his top 30 organizational prospects. You can find the whole post by clicking this link (there are 5 stories to watch for as well in there) but I also provide the list below.

I am excited about the list not for this season but for future seasons...plenty of talent in the pipeline. The teams beside their name are where you can likely find them this season.

1. John Carlson, Washington
2. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL)*
3. Michal Neuvirth, Washington
4. Marcus Johansson, Washington
5. Braden Holtby, Hershey/Washington
6. Cody Eakin, Swift Current (WHL)*
7. Mathieu Perreault, Hershey/Washington
8. Dmitri Orlov, Mettalurg Novokuznetsk (KHL)*
9. Andrew Gordon, Washington/Hershey
10. Patrick Wey, Boston College (NCAA)*
11. Stanislav Galiev, Saint John (QMJHL)*
12. Patrick McNeil, Hershey/Washington
13. Jay Beagle, Hershey/Washington
14. Anton Gustafsson, Hershey
15. Philipp Grubauer, Kingston (OHL)*
16. Steve Pinizzotto, Hershey
17. Dmitry Kugryshev, Hershey
18. Dustin Stevenson, South Carolina/Hershey
19. Trevor Bruess, Hershey
20. Francois Bouchard, Hershey
21. Caleb Herbert, Sioux City (USHL)
22. Garrett Mitchell, Regina (WHL)
23. Brett Flemming, Mississauga (OHL)
24. Zach Miskovic, Hershey/Washington
25. Greg Burke, New Hampshire (NCAA)
26. Dan Dunn, St. Cloud State (NCAA)
27. Jake Hauswirth, South Carolina/Hershey
28. Phil DeSimone, New Hampshire (NCAA)
29. Samuel Carrier, Lewiston (QMJHL)
30. Sean Collins, Hershey