The Washington Capitals’ American Hockey League affiliate Hershey Bears captured their 12 Calder Cup championship on the backs of a wave of young prospects looking for a chance to leap to the NHL. On the opening day of NHL free agency, one of those contributors has moved on.

Forward Garrett Pilon, a former third-round pick of the Caps in 2016, signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators on the opening day of free agency.

Roster update: The #Sens have agreed to terms with the following two players on respective one-year, two-way contracts:

Matthew Highmore ($775 k @NHL, $400 k @TheAHL).

Garrett Pilon ($775 k @NHL, $200 k @TheAHL). pic.twitter.com/Z5ZiXGDbV5

— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) July 1, 2023

Pilon, 25, who recorded 10 (4G, 6A) Points in 20 Games Played in the Bears’ Calder Cup run (including a critical goal in Game 5, spent 259 games in the Chocolate and white, appearing in three games with the Capitals during that time. In those 259 AHL games, Pilon recorded 60 Goals and 156 Points.

PEELS. Forever a Game 5 hero. Thank you, Garrett Pilon, for helping bring Calder back to Hershey. All the best with the Senators! pic.twitter.com/eTZZb7wYMT

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) July 1, 2023

By Michael Fleetwood