Capitals reload prospect pool with Riley Sutter and Hardy Haman Aktell
Capitals re-sign two Calder Cup champions to one year, two way deals
The Washington Capitals reloaded with Hardy Haman Aktell and Riley Sutter who were key contributors to the Herhsey Bears Calder Cup run. Sutter's is worth $775,000/$150,000 while Hardy Haman Aktell's is $775,000/$350,000.
Sutter is 24 years old and established a single season career high in goals with nine and assists with 14 with 23 points along with 91 shots and a plus/minus rating of plus nine in 66 games with the Herhsey Bears last season. The six foot four, 211 pound forward added one assist in 13 playoff games while helping Hershey capture their second straight Calder Cup championship.
Haman Aktell is 25 and recorded 11 points with two goals and nine assists in 55 games with Hershey in 2023-24. During the Calder Cup playoffs, he registered nine points with five goals and four assists in 17 games, ranking tied for first among AHL defensemen in goals.
Assistant general manager Ross Mahoney joins @VogsCaps on the latest episode of ‘Break the Ice,’ presented by @mysuperfd, to dive into all of the Capitals’ new prospects from the 2024 #NHLDraft
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 3, 2024
Streaming on all your favorite podcast places now! pic.twitter.com/1KKTswqwrR
Some early development camp news as full sessions are slated later today. The forwards and defense practiced on two separate rinks. Here's Ilya Protas and Ryan Leonard per Sammi Silber of The Hockey News.
Ilya Protas in more edge drills. Just as strong a skater as Aliaksei was at this point. pic.twitter.com/hxENhc1ClD
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) July 3, 2024
Leonard looks strong here. pic.twitter.com/TS6CM0qPhI
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) July 3, 2024
Silber also noted on Twitter/X that the forwards closed out on day two of on ice sessions with some shooting and stickhandling. Andrew Cristall and Ryan Leonard looked good.
Caps forwards closing out Day 2 of on-ice sessions with some shooting and stickhandling.
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) July 3, 2024
Andrew Cristall and Ryan Leonard show off the quick hands, as does Haakon Hanelt.
Silber reported that Leonard's plan, for now, remains the same that he'll remain at Boston College. He also noted that he's kept in touch with Tom Wilson quite a bit.
Leonard said that the Capitals offered him a contract after making the playoffs.
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) July 3, 2024
Stayed up late that night, and spoke with his brother about it. Made decision to turn it down.
Leonard also noted that Will Smith's decision to join the San Jose Sharks has no impact on his decision whatsoever.
Ryan Leonard said that Will Smith choosing to sign with the Sharks changed nothing when it came to his decision.
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) July 3, 2024
"I'm myself, he's him. You want the best for him. It's not about individuals, it's about the team."
"They (were) probably two top-six forwards away... maybe two defencemen away... and they probably (needed) another good goalie... Brian MacLellan went and got all of those things."@Tarik_ElBashir weighs in on the #ALLCAPS' aggressive start to free agency with @mattymar89. pic.twitter.com/JXz03V8YHz
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) July 2, 2024
Tarik El-Bashir and John Walton will be back on TV on Monumental Sports Network at 9:30 p.m. eastern time to break down more of the crazy free agent frenzy. El-Bashir makes good points in this Sportsnet 590 The Fan hit with Matt Marchese. In news from yesterday, skating coach Wendy Marco said to Ryan Leonard, "You look so much better!".
In other Bears news, the team re-signed Garrett Roe to an AHL deal ahead of this upcoming season who was also an integral part in their Calder Cup championship.
ROE THE BOAT! 🚣♂️
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) July 3, 2024
We have re-signed forward Garrett Roe to an AHL contract for the 2024-25 season. Welcome back, Roesy!
📰 https://t.co/ReVNN6uHsK pic.twitter.com/sxdhkCu6Px
As always we'll have further breakdown later on all the latest crazy moves the Capitals made as they were one of the more active teams of the offseason thus far.
feed