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Capitals: Pending Free Agent Digest, Who to sign and who to let walk?

By David Trice

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the pre-game skate before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the pre-game skate before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 16: Washington Capitals forward Brian Pinho (64) looks for help during a preseason game on September 16, 2018, between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeated the Capitals 2-1 (SO). (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Brian Pinho – C (age: 25)

2019-2020 Stats: 42 GP, 11G, 12 A, +5, 10 PIM

There is a reason the Washington Capitals made Brian Pinho one of the last cuts in the preseason before the start of this season. He has shown good enough promise that they made sure to extend him in May prior to hitting free agency to a one year two-way contract.

He has proven why he was one of the last to get removed from the roster. Considering his production this season he has not disappointed, he has already doubled his total point production from last year in Hershey while in 30 less games.

At his age he will need to make the jump in the next few seasons or be doomed to stay in the purgatory of the AHL. To make the big league team it would mean someone else has been moved or not signed back. Thus, he will most likely need to again sign a two-way contract but his side will most likely insist on an out if he is left in the AHL after next season.

The potential spot for him to fill right away is on the bottom six in either center or right wing. This would require a trade of an existing NHL roster player, possibly Richard Panik who hasn’t produced quite as expected.

Current Contract: $700,000

Projected Cap Hit: $750,000 (NHL), $725,000 (AHL)

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