With the calendar flipping into August and 2024 Training Camp drawing closer, a couple of Washington Capitals players have made their way back on the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

John Carlson and Alex Alexeyev, two of the team’s defensemen, are the first skaters to begin informal workouts before the team meets in an official capacity. The two blueliners donned white Capitals practice sweaters for their skate on Thursday morning.

Carlson, 34, is heading into his 16th season with the Capitals. The veteran rearguard played in all 82 games for Washington last season and led the league in total ice time and ice time per game. Carlson also played in his 1,000th career NHL game, recorded his 500th career assist, and set the franchise record for goals by a defenseman. He finished the year with 52 points (10g, 42a).

Alexeyev, 24, is coming off his first full season in the NHL. The Russian defender was a lineup regular down the stretch, getting into a career-high 39 games throughout the season. After the team’s offseason additions on the blueline, Alexeyev will compete for a roster spot on a now crowded backend.

The NHL and NHLPA agreed to new rules for offseason training last summer. The updates allowed players to partake in on-ice sessions with a skills coach during the offseason when previously tram-affiliated coaches were prohibited. It is unclear if any of the Capitals’ coaches were on the ice with either player on Thursday.

Washington has yet to reveal the exact dates for their 2024 Training Camp. Last year’s camp began on September 20.