Photo: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
The Washington Capitals announced on Thursday morning the re-signing of forward prospect Brian Pinho to a two-year deal.
The series-winning goal against Bridgeport in the 2019 postseason (here) came at the end of a game in which he was possibly the best Bear, offensively. Pinho essentially picked up where he left off for the 2019-2020 season, as he became an offensive leader and leader on the Bears penalty kill.
For Pinho, 25, time is already something to consider with his development, but the late 2019 season uptick with Hershey and his 2019-2020 campaign are a very encouraging sign. He garnered the top forward prospect during the Capitals summer training camp and trip to the Toronto bubble, which also reflect highly on his progress over the last 24 months.
This version of Daniel Sprong to Brian Pinho counts. Team Red leads 1-0. Hershey is gonna put up goals next season. #ALLCAPS #Capitals pic.twitter.com/eSq4rFmbmi
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) July 24, 2020
His hockey smarts are sufficient and he has the skillset to potentially crack a bottom six roll with Washington, if his game continues to improve. The Capitals/Bears began to use Pinho on the wing, to some success in 2019.
Pinho is still waiver-exempt for one more season meaning he can be sent to the minor leagues and held there as depth.
MORE ON PINHO
Brian Pinho Primed For Training Camp And New Contract
Brian Pinho Pinho Scores Goal and Two Assists, Leads Team Red Over Team Blue
Brian Pinho – Annual Review and Forecast – 2019-2020
Top-20 Washington Capitals Prospects – 2020 Preseason Ranking
FROM CAPITALS MEDIA RELEASE
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Brian Pinho to a two-year contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. Pinho’s contract will carry an average annual salary of $725,000. In 2020-21, Pinho will earn $700,000 in the NHL and $125,000 in the AHL (with a guaranteed salary of $150,000). In 2021-22, Pinho’s salary is a one-way contract at $750,000.
Pinho, 25, made his NHL and Stanley Cup Playoff debut in Game 3 of the First Round against the New York Islanders on Aug. 16, becoming the fifth player in franchise history to make his debut in the playoffs (Tom Wilson, 2013; Trent Whitfield, 2000; Grant Jennings, 1988; Chris Felix, 1988).
This season, the 6’1”, 193-pound forward recorded 37 points (20g, 17a) in 62 games with the Hershey Bears, surpassing his 2018-19 total of 12 points (4g, 8a) within 31 games. The Beverly, Mass., native’s 20 goals were the second most on Hershey and he led the team in game winning goals (4) and shorthanded goals (3). Seventeen of Pinho’s 20 goals came at even strength, which tied for 11th in the AHL. Pinho was one of two Bears to play in all 62 games this season and posted the second highest plus/minus rating (16) on the team.
In 135 career games with Hershey, Pinho has 49 points (24g, 25a).
By Jon Sorensen
Good depth move and maybe he can push some of the dead on the 3rd or 4th lines for playing time. IMHO there should be at least 3 slots open on those lines with Kovalchuk gone and hopefully Panik and Hagelin following. How is he is taking faceoffs?
Agreed, Druid. Pinho is the most NHL-ready forward prospects for the Capitals right now, and will contend for a 4th line spot in the upcoming training camp;