Washington Capitals prospect poised to crack starting roster next season

Following a highly AHL campaign with the Hershey Bears, Trineyev is a breath shy from making the jumps to the big leagues.

While the Hershey Bears failed to secure their third consecutive Calder Cup, Bogdan Trineyev has been an impressive producer on the team since day one.

"I feel more comfortable in this league, in team, in this country," Trineyev said. "First year very hard, but now I feel more comfortable... "I have same job, but in this season maybe, more working in gym and after practice, I stay on the ice, shooting the puck or passing for teammates."

According to Washington Capitals insider Sammi Silber, the 23-year-old was vital for the AHL's Hershey Bears this season, putting up a career-high 14 goals and eight assists for 22 points in 62 games. He served as a key utility player and penalty killer, and his physicality and tenacity for the puck helped him win battles all over the ice.

"I think I can play better in (all) three zones," Trineyev said.

Trineyev went on to highlight just how much the positive vibe of the organization has helped transform his game.

"In this Caps and Washington I like everybody in locker room and in this system. Everybody help me help for team and very comfortable," Trineyev said.

"When it's so much comfortable in the group and the atmosphere is so good, you want to play your best game and the biggest effort for your teammates, because it's one of the best groups to play in and you want to go to war for them."

Will Trineyev make the jump next season?

Time will tell.