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Washington Capitals: Top 10 prospects entering 2019

By Dave Stevenson

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Connor Mcmichael poses for a portrait after being selected twenty-fifth overall by the Washington Capitals during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Connor Mcmichael poses for a portrait after being selected twenty-fifth overall by the Washington Capitals during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) /
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9. Shane Gersich

Acquired: 2014 NHL Draft (fifth-round pick)

Age: 23

Position: Left Wing/Center

Stats: 66 games, 8 goals, 16 assists, 24 points, 9 postseason games, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points (Hershey Bears, AHL)

Prospect Report

Shane Gersich is the lone player on this list who is a Stanley Cup champion. The Capitals thought highly enough of him to let him stick around in Washington after signing his entry-level contract late during the 2017-18 season. Gersich even appeared in two postseason games.

The 2018-19 season saw Gersich play his first full professional season. He struggled at times, but still wound up with 24 points in 66 games, which isn’t too shabby. Gersich didn’t get many chances to show off what he can do on offense. And when he did, I think he tried a bit too hard to make something happen.

Gersich is probably on the Capitals shortlist for callups. He is a better two-way player than he was a year ago. If Gersich stops overthinking the game and does a better job reacting to what happens, I could see him having a breakout season. He has speed on his side, which definitely helps.

Unfortunately, the Hershey Bears have a plethora of veteran forward options. This might not be good for Gersich. But at the same time, I think it’ll breed competition, which could be good for him. Gersich didn’t stand out during the 2018-19 season. He’s got to find a way to do it next season.

Future Outlook

I could see Gersich sticking as a third-line or fourth-line wing in the NHL. He did a good job on the Bears penalty kill last season and he improved quite a bit as far as utilizing his speed. Gersich’s floor is a good to very good depth forward. We haven’t seen the last of him in the NHL.

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