We previously reported that Martin Fehervary has finally received a qualifying offer from the Washington Capitals and is currently negotiating a new deal with the team. He was the lone remaining restricted free agent (RFA) player on the Capitals roster to receive a new offer. But what about free agent non-roster players in the Capitals organization?
The Capitals have 12 non-roster players who are currently restricted or unrestricted free agents in the organization. Decisions regarding their future with the Capitals will need to be made by Brian MacLellan, Ross Mahoney and the Capitals development staff in the next few days (if not already). Here’s a look at how things could shake out.
Gabriel Carlsson (26) – Defenseman [RFA] Carlson was (quietly) the Bears best overall defenseman for the 2022-23 regular season, but was passed up by the play of Logan Day in the postseason. It would have been a no-brainer to re-sign Carlsson. However, with the recent addition of Hardy Hamen Aktell, also a lefty, the re-signing of Carlsson is anything but a given. The Capitals should re-sign him, regardless. [Re-sign]
Henrik Borgstrom (25) – Forward [RFA] – Borgstrom was hit or miss for the most of the regular season with the Bears. He would follow stretches of scoring droughts (and healthy scratches) with spurts of excellent play, leaving you wondering why he wasn’t on the Capitals roster. It’s already been reported that Borgstrom has signed a deal in Europe for next season. [Pass]
Garrett Pilon (25) – Forward [UFA – G6] Pilon has been nothing but a quality asset to the Capitals organization, which includes a perfect 100% shooting percentage in his three games played with the Capitals (one goal on one shot). His return is more up to Pilon than the Capitals, as he may want to see what other opportunities are out there (following the paths of friends Riley Barber and Liam O’Brien). Regardless, Capitals will try their best to keep him in the organization. [Re-sign]
Dylan McIlrath (31) – Defenseman – [UFA] The Captain of the Bears has been a quality leader in Hershey this season. At 31, his ability to support the Capitals is likely drawing to a close, but he would be a great addition in Hershey for next season. It’s hard to see the Bears naming a player to be captain for just one season, and then cutting him loose at the end of the season. Look for Bears to try and sign him to an AHL deal. [Decline]
Zach Fucale (28) – Goaltender – [UFA] Fucale was a quality backstop and a good leader for the Bears in recent seasons. However, considering the Capitals depth at the position and the likely elevation of Clay Stevenson, Fucale’s time with the organization has come to an end. There were recent reports in Russian media that Fucale has already signed a deal in the KHL next season. [Decline]
Damien Riat (26) – Forward [RFA] At 26, it’s highly unlikely that Riat ever returns to North America, at least to play professional hockey. He has been a decent forward in the Swiss league, but his ceiling with the Capitals organization was likely reached in the AHL before he decided to return home. [Decline]
Mike Vecchione (30) – Forward [UFA] Vecchione was a key ingredient to the Bears top line during the 2022-23 regular season. His scoring went silent for most of the postseason after Mike Sgarbossa went down with an injury, but I suspect he will return to the organization. He would be another solid mentor for the kids coming in next season (Miroshnichenko, Hofer, etc.). The Bears signed Vecchione to a two-year deal. [Re-sign].
Tobias Geisser (24) – Defenseman [RFA] Geisser decided to head home to Switzerland to get more playing time, which he has done. He told NoVa Caps when news broke he was returning to Europe that he planned to return to North America “when the rebuild begins”. Geisser has been solid and an everyday starter in the Swiss League, and even played for their national team. There appears to be a window of opportunity that still remains for the 6’4” blueliner. [Re-sign]
Kody Cark (23) – Forward [RFA] Clark has dealt with significant injuries since being drafted by the Capitals. He has shown signs of his game beginning to develop, only to be thwarted by an injury. At 23, he certainly hasn’t reached his maximum potential, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Capitals keep him in the fold. [Re-sign].
Riley Sutter (23) – Forward [RFA] – Sutter arguably had his best season for 2022-23. He settled into his role centering the Bears fourth line and finally became a mainstay in the Bears nightly lineup. He’s dealt with injuries during his tenure in Hershey, and with this seasons sizable uptick, it’s very much worth re-signing Sutter. [Re-sign]
Bobby Nardella (27) – Defenseman [UFA] – Nardella has showed offensive upside in past seasons with the Bears and with Djurgarden in the Swedish Hockey League. Unfortunately he dealt with an injury this season, and as a result, has fallen down the organization’s depth chart. At 27, his window of opportunity has probably passed and with the addition of the younger Hardy Haman Aktell, also a lefty, he has likely dropped further down the depth chart. [Decline]
Hunter Shepard (27) – Goaltender [UFA] Shepard has been outstanding in his time with the organization. He’s definitely a “late bloomer” with regards to development, so he may not have reached his ceiling yet. He was called up to the Capitals last season and spent a decent amount of time with the team, but did not get a start. His return is up to him, as he may want to test the free agent waters to see if there is a number two spot open on an NHL team. If he wants to return, Capitals should sign him. [Re-sign].
The deadline for extending qualifying offers for current restricted free agents is June 30th at 5pm ET. Free agency will open at,noon,on Saturday, July 1.
By Jon Sorensen