The cat is out of the bag, as they say.
The rest of the hockey world is finally finding out about Ethen Frank. While we’ve been reporting on him and singing his praises for several months now, the rest of the hockey world has finally caught on. And now that may be a concern, as outside interest for Frank is building.
NHL organizations, mainstream media and other “outsiders” finally caught on to Frank over the weekend when Frank won the AHL’s Fastest Skater competition. He also set a new League record.
Rookie Ethen Frank leads the Bears in goals (21) and is second in points (37)… AND HE CAN FLY! #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ctdeTcynvF
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) February 5, 2023
Frank, who is currently on an AHL deal, will be a free agent at the end of the season, unless the Capitals can sign him first. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friendman is reporting in his latest “32 Thoughts” column, he believes the Capitals are trying to do exactly that.
”There’s also some interest in Ethen Frank, who won the AHL’s fastest skater competition this week. He’s with Hershey on a non-NHL contract, but there is word Washington wants to sign him and is expected to do so. If not, there would be others chasing him.”
Frank was another high-quality college free agent signing by Capitals’ Director of Player Recruitment, Danny Brooks, who has also successfully recruited and signed undrafted college free-agents Joe Snively, Bobby Nardella and Clay Stevenson, just to name a few.
[Related:Rookie Ethen Frank Leading The Way In Hershey]
Frank, a college free-agent, signed with the Bears in April of 2022, and has been by far the most impressive young forward so far this season in Hershey. Frank is tied for first among all AHL rookies in goals (21) and is second among all AHL rookies in points (37). He leads all Bears in goals and is second on the team in points.
By Jon Sorensen