The Washington Capitals announced two signings on Wednesday, both of whom were key contributors’ to their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, winning their second consecutive Calder Cup championship.
The club re-signed forward Riley Sutter to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL and $150,000 in the minors. Drafted by the Capitals in the third round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Calgar native has spent the last five seasons with the Bears, providing reliable depth in organization.
Last season, he hit career highs as a professional, scoring nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 66 regular-season games, then contributed an assist during the club’s Calder Cup championship run this past spring.
The 24-year-old Sutter was also a member of Hershey’s 2023 Calder Cup team.
The other player the Capitals re-signed was Hardy Haman Aktell to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL and $350,000 in the AHL. Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators, the defenseman has spent all but one season of his professional career in his native Sweden.
Unsigned by the Predators, the 25-year-old came to North America ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, joining the Capitals on a one-year, entry-level deal. He played six games with Washington, recording one assist.
He was sent down to the minors, where he scored two goals and nine assists for 11 points in 55 games with the Bears. In the playoffs, he had five goals and four assists for nine points. He was tied for first in goals for defenders in the post-season.
The Bears defeated the Coachella Valley Firebirds in six games to win their second consecutive Calder Cup last month. It was their 13th AHL championship, the most in league history.
