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Washington Capitals sign Shane Gersich to entry-level contract

By Dave Stevenson |
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 9: Shane Gersich #19 of North Dakota Fighting Hawks celebrates his goal against the Quinnipiac University Bobcats for a 1-0 lead during the 2016 NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Frozen Four Championship final at the Amaile Arena on April 9, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. The Fighting Hawks won the game 5-1 for their eighth national championship in school history. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 9: Shane Gersich #19 of North Dakota Fighting Hawks celebrates his goal against the Quinnipiac University Bobcats for a 1-0 lead during the 2016 NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Frozen Four Championship final at the Amaile Arena on April 9, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. The Fighting Hawks won the game 5-1 for their eighth national championship in school history. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals should get a boost after signing top forward prospect Shane Gersich to a two-year entry-level contract

The Washington Capitals are in a familiar position down the home stretch of the 2017-18 NHL regular season. They’re in first place as they try to overcome their postseason demons. Though their record looks good, their forward depth is a bit questionable.

Recently, the team has been negotiating with top forward prospect Shane Gersich. Drafted in the fifth-round in 2014 by the Caps, he’s had a very impressive college career at the University of North Dakota.

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The Capitals have announced they’ve signed him to a two-year entry-level contract. It will pay him $925,000 per season. Also, this will allow Gersich to potentially become a restricted free agent as soon as after next season. He’ll be joining the Capitals in Montreal, so he’ll likely burn the first year of his contract.

Gersich should give the Caps more forward depth, which is always a good thing. He’s a very skilled forward who has done well at North Dakota in a shutdown role. As a sophomore, on a team that featured Tyson Jost and Brock Boeser, Gersich led the team in points with 35. He also won a national title in his freshman year.

This year, Gersich had 29 points (13 goals and 16 assists) in 40 games. He ranked third on the team in points. Gersich won’t be the only North Dakota alum on the Capitals, as forward T.J. Oshie had a very successful college career there.

Right now, he probably fits in on the Caps’ fourth line. This primarily defensive forward line could use a spark. Gersich would immediately be the most skilled player on that line. He can play either center or left wing, though he has been getting more time at the latter lately.

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Depending on Evgeny Kuznetsov’s health, Gersich could be making his NHL debut as soon as Saturday against the Canadiens. He nearly made the roster earlier this season, impressing during preseason games. However, Gersich has grown a lot defensively during his junior year, which should help him in his likely role.

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