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Washington Capitals: 2019 expectations for Shane Gersich

By Michael Marzzacco

HERSHEY, PA - JANUARY 05: Hershey Bears left wing Shane Gersich (10) skates during the Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Hershey Bears AHL game at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HERSHEY, PA - JANUARY 05: Hershey Bears left wing Shane Gersich (10) skates during the Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Hershey Bears AHL game at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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One of the most exciting forward prospects in the Washington Capitals system, Shane Gersich is poised for a big second year with the Hershey Bears.

The fifth round Washington Capitals draft pick was taken at 134th overall in 2014. Depending on how Shane Gerish’s next few seasons pan out, he could be considered a steal by Washington. Gersich was a star over at the University of North Dakota.

Gersich’s sophomore season was his best year. Gersich led North Dakota with 37 points, 21 goals and 153 shots on goal. His 21 goals were the most by a North Dakota sophomore since New York Islander Brock Nelson posted 28 goals in the 2011-12 season.

Gersich was the recipient of the program’s Cliff “Fido” Purpur award which is given to the player who exemplifies hard work, determination and being a creator of excitement on the ice.

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Gersich finished his college career with 43 goals and 34 assists (77 points) in 177 college games. At the conclusion of his junior season, Gersich signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Capitals and had the opportunity to gain some NHL experience.

Capitals fans got a small sample size of what Gersich’s speed and puck control but didn’t generate much offense with just one assist in three regular season games.

Despite this, the Capitals controlled the puck well offensively when Gersich was on the ice. Gersich’s Corsi-For percentage through those three games at even strength was at 53.6% while his Fenwick For finished at 60.5% (via Hockey Reference).

Gersich also played in two playoff games that spring, was on the ice at T-Mobile Arena after the Capitals won the Stanley Cup, and even got to share T.J. Oshie’s day with the Stanley Cup along with Travis Boyd. Oshie, like Gersich, also suited up to play college hockey at North Dakota.

Gersich didn’t make the Capitals opening night roster last season but was sent to Hershey to gain some valuable top-six minutes. Gersich spent most time in the middle, with a spot on the second line next to Garrett Pilon/Jayson Megna and Steven Whitney or the third line next to Chris McCarthy and Brian Pinho. Nathan Walker’s departure to the St. Louis Blues organization opens up a spot at right wing on the second line.

Gersich finished his rookie AHL season with 24 points (8 goals, 16 assists) in 66 games. The Capitals signed him earlier in the offseason to a one-year, two-way contract with a raise from $70,000 to $115,000 in AHL salary with $700,000 coming from the NHL. Although he would enter next summer as a restricted free agent, he doesn’t qualify for arbitration.

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Expect Gersich to be back with the Hershey Bears next season on a second line role next season. If he can get his goal scoring up to 15-20, it’ll mark a big improvement from his first season in Hershey. There might be another opportunity to get some NHL game action if there’s any injuries that happen and the Capitals decide to recall him.

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