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Washington Capitals: The prospect that got away

By Michael Marzzacco

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Chase Priskie #13 of the Quinnipiac University Bobcats skates against the Boston University Terriers during NCAA men's hockey at Agganis Arena on January 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bobcats won 4-3 on a goal with 2.5 seconds remaining in regulation. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Chase Priskie #13 of the Quinnipiac University Bobcats skates against the Boston University Terriers during NCAA men's hockey at Agganis Arena on January 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bobcats won 4-3 on a goal with 2.5 seconds remaining in regulation. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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Washington Capitals prospect Chase Priskie’s departure was inevitable. On Saturday, he signed with Metropolitan Division rival Carolina Hurricanes.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed former Washington Capitals prospect Chase Priskie to a two-year, entry-level deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $925,000 and he could be in an NHL lineup sooner than you think.

Priskie wasn’t going to come back to the Capitals anyway. The defenseman informed the Capitals back in April he was not going to sign with them and hit the open market. Priskie was drafted by the Capitals in the sixth round at 177th overall.

The Hurricanes have sought after Priskie since the draft weekend earlier this summer. Sara Civ of The Athletic reported that the Hurricanes and Capitals were in talks for Justin Faulk moving to a mystery team and replacing him with acquiring Priskie’s rights.

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Priskie’s rights expired on Thursday August 15. Coming from Quinnipiac University, Priskie was a standout and a finalist in the Top 10 for this year’s Hobey Baker Award, the NCAA’s most prestigious award for the top college hockey player.

Priskie posted 26-point seasons in both his freshman (7 goals, 19 assists) and sophomore years (4 goals, 22 assists). He was named team captain his junior and senior years. His senior year was his best season with a career-high 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points.

In addition to the Hobey Baker nomination, Priskie finished up his college career as a four-time ECAC All-Academic each year, as well as a ECAC Hockey First Team and a finalist for the Best Defensive Defenseman.

Related Story. Carolina Hurricanes Metropolitan Division outlook. light

Part of Priskie’s intentions of not re-signing with the Capitals was to test the free agent market. The Capitals defense has a ton of depth for the future both with the big club and in their prospect fold. Priskie felt like he’d be better off with a different organization for a chance to crack an NHL roster for a top-six defenseman role.

Priskie told Chip Malafronte of the New Haven Register back in April:

"“Looking at the big picture, I felt going to free agency would best suit me and help me position myself into a top-6 role in the NHL. They’re very deep with great defensive prospects. It was something that I had the option to do, so I decided to go free agency.”"

While Priskie is correct that the Capitals are well stocked with blueline prospects, losing Priskie to a division rival is a serious blow. He’s a right-handed defensive gem for a sixth rounder who can play a two-way game and he looks for a chance to make the Hurricanes right out of training camp or at some point in the season.

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