Washington Capitals loan Damien Riat

Washington Capitals prospect Damien Riat has yet to see NHL action and he will have to wait at least another year. The Caps announced the young forward has been loaned to Lausanne HC. He will be eligible to return to North America at the conclusion of the 2021-22 NHL season.

The 24 year old recorded nine points with three goals and six assists in 33 games with the Hershey Bears during the 2020-21 which was his first in the AHL. Listed at six foot and 180 pounds, Riat ranked second among Hershey rookies in goals, assists and points and was one of five skaters to appear in every game for the Bears.

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Last year, Riat was on a loan appearing in 20 games with Geneve-Servette HC of the National League. The Geneva, Switzerland, native recorded 18 points that season with seven goals and 11 assists. In 243 career games in the National League, Riat has recorded 124 points with 57 goals and 67 assists.

Riat was selected by the Caps with their fourth round pick at 117th overall, in the 2016 NHL Draft. He was a good pick for the Caps but it will take a while for him to rise up to the NHL. Still the question is why did the Caps decide to loan him overseas when he could’ve helped a young and talented Bears team for at least another season?

He also didn’t make the training camp roster last season despite rumors that the Caps were going to bring him back to the team from their loan last year. Riat will be heading back to Switzerland instead and will have to wait until there’s some openings in the next couple seasons on the Caps varsity squad.

Don’t expect this to be the only news between now and training camp involving prospects. There could be other loans coming. We wish Riat the best.