One of the top prospects from this year’s draft has inked his first NHL deal.
On Wednesday, the Washington Capitals signed defenseman Leon Muggli to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal carries a $975,000 AAV, with Muggli receiving a $97,500 signing bonus each year.
Muggli was taken in the second round, 52nd overall, by the Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft. He is a defender that flew under the radar heading into the draft, due to his lackluster statistics and his rather small stature. However, there is a lot to like about the Swiss native’s game. Muggli’s vision and intelligence make him a talented prospect, along with great agility that has become the standard of a modern-day defenseman. He is excellent at quickly getting to loose pucks in his own zone, and despite only standing at six feet and 176 pounds, he can throw a solid body check when need be.
With EV Zug of the National League in Switzerland, Muggli scored three goals and nine assists in 42 games, registering a plus/minus of +13. He also posted two points in 11 playoff games. It was his first full season in the top Swiss league after coming up through the Zug junior system throughout his career.
Muggli has also represented his country on multiple occasions. Coming up through the ranks, he had the opportunity to play for the Swiss at the Under-16 and Under-17 levels, before playing at the 2023 IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship. This past season, Muggli played for Team Switzerland at both the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship and U-18s, registering an assist in four games at the World Juniors. He was also on the team that competed at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
The recently-turned 18-year-old has some growing to do, but with proper development and patience, he has the tools to one day play in the NHL.
