Capitals risk waivers with former 2nd-round pick who is still just 22

Some players feel more likely to pass through waivers than others.

But the Washington Capitals took a risk on Wednesday. They placed a 22-year old former second-round pick on waivers to try and pass him to the AHL.

If he doesn't get claimed, Vincent Iorio will report to the Hershey Bears. But there'll be at least a little suspense about a possible waiver claim by another team.

The news of Iorio's waiving was reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Iorio was a second-round pick by the Capitals in 2021.

Since then, though, Iorio has made just nine NHL appearances, totaling one assist and putting up a plus-1 rating with six blocks and five hits.

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Iorio has spent most of his career with Hershey in the AHL.

Last season with the Bears, Iorio put up five goals and and 15 assists (20 points) in 67 games.

This would mark his fourth year in Hershey if he clears waivers.

Pro Hockey Rumors' Josh Erickson added this analysis of the move:

"Waiver-eligible for the first time this year, Iorio brings an intriguing profile to the wire. He made Washington’s opening night roster as a healthy extra – and presumably the Caps felt they had a greater chance of sneaking him through if they avoided waiving him during the late-preseason rush. His recent minor-league performance, though, offers insight into why they’re comfortable taking the chance of losing him."

The Caps had to make this move to clear space for Dylan McIlrath's return from injured reserve. So Iorio will keep waiting for his chance to prove himself at the top level.

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