The Washington Capitals have a lot to consider this offseason, and though there's a pressing need to improve offensively, there are questions that remain on defense. And rising prospect Hardy Häman Aktell may be one of the answers.
Häman Aktell, who chose to sign in Washington last season as a highly-touted European free agent, impressed in training camp but just narrowly missed out on a roster spot. He got six games up with the big club, but the primary objective for him was to adapt to the North American game with the Hershey Bears.
He didn't just adapt at the AHL level; he's thrived.
The Swede has worked his way up the lineup to become a top-pairing defenseman. In 55 regular-season games, he had two goals and nine assists, along with 33 penalty minutes and a plus/minus of plus-3. He has four points in 11 playoff games so far to help lead Hershey back to the Calder Cup Finals.
Beyond the numbers, though, Häman Aktell's taken a big step forward. The 25-year-old is a smooth-skating defenseman who takes good care of the puck, doesn't shy away from battles and shows great physicality and awareness.
Häman Aktell is a strong all-around defenseman, and he can also provide offense and carry the puck up the ice. He's been a huge asset to the organization, and his growth could lead him to a full-time spot next season.
And it should; head coach Spencer Carbery cited the need for more size on the backend, and the 6-foot-3, 198-pound Häman Aktell brings that and then some.
Häman Aktell is a restricted free agent, but given his performance, an extension should be nothing to worry about.
That being said, the competition will be heavy; Alex Alexeyev has more than earned his full-time role, and Vincent Iorio is also on the rise, while Lucas Johansen still has hopes to break through full time after years and years of adversity in D.C.
But from his battle to his grit to his awareness and 200-foot game, Häman Aktell has taken significant strides, and it could lead to more of a look next season.
