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 only remaining restricted player (RFA) on the Capitals roster to receive a new bid. But what about players who are not on the rosters in the Capitals organization?
The Capitals have 12 non-roster players who are currently restricted or unrestricted free agents in the organization. Decisions about their future with the Capitals will have to be made by Brian McClellan, Ross Mahoney, and the Capitals development staff in the next few days (if not already). Here’s a look at how things might change.
Gabriel Carlsson (26) – Defenseman [RFA] Carlson was (quietly) the Bears’ best overall defender for the 2022-23 regular season, but was surpassed by Logan Day’s play in the postseason. It was a no-brainer to re-sign Carlson. However, with the recent addition of Hardy Hamen Aktel, also a left-hander, re-signing Carlsson is anything but a foregone conclusion. The Capitals must re-sign him, regardless. [Re-sign]
Henrik Borgström (25) – Forward [RFA] Borgstrom hit or miss most of the regular season with the Bears. He would follow up his dry spells (and health scratches) with bursts of stellar play, leaving you wondering why he wasn’t on the Capitals roster. It has already been reported that Borgstrom has signed a deal in Europe for next season. [Pass]
Garrett Bailon (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 to Bailon than to the Capitals, as he may want to know what other opportunities are available (following the paths of friends Riley Barber and Liam O’Brien). Regardless, Capitals will do its best to keep him in the organization. [Re-sign]
Dylan McElrath (31) – Defenseman – [UFA] Captain of the Bears has been a leader in quality at Hershey this season. At 31, his ability to support the Capitals is probably coming to an end, but he will be a great addition to Hershey for next season. It’s hard to see the Bears name a player to be captain for just one season, and then lose him at the end of the season. Look for the Bears to try and sign him to an AHL deal. [Decline]
Zac Focale (28) – Goalkeeper – [UFA] Fucale has been a good support and a good leader for the Bears in recent seasons. However, given the Capitals’ depth in position and the potential rise of Clay Stephenson, Focale’s time with the organization was over. There have been recent reports in the Russian media that Fokale has already signed a deal in the KHL next season. [Decline]
Damien Reyat (26) – Forward [RFA] At the age of 26, it is highly unlikely that Riat will ever return to North America, at least to play professional hockey. He’s been a decent tackler in the Swiss league, but his cap with the Capitals organization in the AHL was probably hit before he decided to go home. [Decline]
Mike Vecchione (30) – Forwards [UFA] Vecchione was a staple of the Bears’ top line during the 2022-23 regular season. His scoring was silent for most of the postseason after Mike Sgarbosa was injured, but I suspect he’ll be back in the organization. He will be another strong mentor for the upcoming kids next season (Miroshnichenko, Hofer, etc.). The Bears signed Vichione to a two-year deal. [Re-sign].
Tobias Gesser (24) – Defenseman [RFA] Gesser decided to return to Switzerland to get more playing time, which he did. He told NoVa Caps when news broke of his return to Europe that he planned to return to North America “when the rebuilding begins.” Geisser was solid and was a regular starter in the Swiss league and even played for their national team. There seems to be a window of opportunity still left for the 6’4″ blueliner. [Re-sign]
Kark Codes (23) – forward [RFA] Clark has dealt with serious injuries since being drafted by the Capitals. He showed signs of his game beginning to evolve, however, he was stymied by an injury. At 23, he has definitely not reached his full potential, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Capitals keep him in the fold. [Re-sign].
Riley Souter (23) – Forward [RFA] – Sutter had arguably his best season in 2022-23. He settled into a role focused on the Bears’ fourth line and finally became a mainstay in the Bears’ night lineup. He’s dealt with injuries during his tenure at Hershey, and with seasons so high, it’s very much worth it to re-sign Sutter. [Re-sign]
Bobby Nardella (27) – Defenseman [UFA] Nardella has shown attacking progress in past seasons with the Bears and with Djurgården in the Swedish Hockey League. Unfortunately, he dealt with an injury this season and, as a result, fell down the organization’s depth chart. At 27, his window of opportunity may have closed, and with the addition of hardy youngster Hamann Aktel, also a left-hander, he will likely have fallen further in the depth chart. [Decline]
Hunter Shepherd (27) – Goalkeeper [UFA] Shepard has been great with his time with the organization. It’s definitely “late pants” in terms of development, so it may not have reached its limit yet. He was called up to the Capitals last season and had a decent amount of time with the team, but didn’t start. His return is up to him, as he may want to test the free agent’s waters to see if there’s a number two open on an NHL team. If he wants to come back, the Capitals have to sign him. [Re-sign].
Deadline for extending eligible offers for current restricted free agents It’s June 30th at 5 p.m. ET. The free agency will open at noon on Saturday, July 1.
Written by John Sorensen