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Washington Capitals: 2019 expectations for Philippe Maillet

By Michael Marzzacco

ONTARIO, CA - DECEMBER 02: Ontario Reign Forward Philippe Maillet (16) celebrates his game-winning hat trick overtime goal during an AHL regular season game between the Ontario Reign and Tucson Roadrunners on December 2, 2018 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. (Photo by Joshua Lavallee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ONTARIO, CA - DECEMBER 02: Ontario Reign Forward Philippe Maillet (16) celebrates his game-winning hat trick overtime goal during an AHL regular season game between the Ontario Reign and Tucson Roadrunners on December 2, 2018 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. (Photo by Joshua Lavallee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Washington Capitals made free agency moves not only for the main club but for the Hershey Bears as well. Meet Philippe Maillet.

The Hershey Bears, AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, now have a new forward in town. The team lost Nathan Walker to the St. Louis Blues and Riley Barber to the Montreal Canadiens. The Capitals added Philippe Maillet to their center prospect pool with a two-year, two-way contract worth an AAV of $700,000.

Philippe Maillet was acquired from the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. He spent three seasons in Ontario after signing with the team at age 22 as an undrafted free agent.

Prior to the AHL, Maillet was a standout at the University of New Brunswick. He helped his team win the University Cup his junior and senior seasons.

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Maillet was named the Cup’s MVP with four goals and six assists in the three-game series against Saskatachewan. Maillet recorded 166 points (60 goals, 106 assists) in 101 games before he signed with the Reign on an ATO.

Maillet is coming off his best season, recording 54 points (16 goals, 38 assists) in 68 games. His Reign tenure ran 140 games with 94 points (36 goals, 58 assists) and appeared in the Calder Cup playoffs in 2017 and 2018.

With Jayson Megna now with the Colorado Avalanche organization, it is likely Maillet could occupy the top line in Hershey or be competing for that spot with Garrett Pilon. What makes the situation interesting in Hershey is how to fill the top line void left by Walker and Barber.

Shane Gersich could slot up to the top line left wing or that could be a competition with Liam O’Brien. The top line right wing could come down to competition between Steve Whitney and Beck Malenstyn.

The Bears forwards will also feature the return of Axel Jonsson-Fjållby as well as newcomer Joe Snively. Both left wingers, Jonsson-Fjållby spent the early part of last season in Hershey before heading back to Sweden in November. Snively is a new face that is a native of local Herndon, Va.

The Capitals also announced the signing of their third round, 91st overall pick, center Aliaksei Protas. He could be coming up to Hershey this upcoming season or may remain in the WHL for at least an extra season.

Expect to see Maillet at training camp this September and in some Capitals preseason games. The Capitals preseason slate opens Monday Sept. 16 vs. the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Meanwhile in Hershey, Maillet will look to have a 20-goal season and help the Bears have a consistent season from start to finish. His presence will help bolster the top-six and help make the 2019-20 season an exciting one in Hershey.

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