The Washington Capitals are bringing back a familiar face. The team has announced that they have signed defenseman Cameron Schilling to a one-year, two-way contract. The pact carries the minimum $700K at the NHL level and $365K in the AHL. Schilling signed his entry-level contract with Washington as an undrafted college free agent back in 2012.
Schilling, 32, has spent the past three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets and the two seasons prior with the Chicago Blackhawks since leaving the Capitals in 2015. In that time, he has played in just four NHL games total, the same amount he played in his final season in Washington. Although Schilling’s AHL production has been improved over the past few years, he has yet to show the ability needed to be an NHL regular. He is a depth addition who at least has the experience to step into the lineup for the Capitals in the case of multiple injuries.
Where Schilling specifically fits in the organizational depth chart remains to be seen. With Michal Kempny potentially missing the whole season due to injury and Washington needing to move salary just to re-sign restricted free agent Jonas Siegenthaler, the NHL blue line looks a bit thin right now, especially on the left side. However, the Capitals have promising prospects like Martin Fehervary and Lucas Johansen waiting in the wings and they are lefties like Schilling. This could keep the vet blocked in the AHL all year unless he can prove to be a superior option.
Lucas Johansen played 9 games last season. He has struggled in his time in the AHL. Schilling is a much better player
Maybe he will wear the C in Hershey. Wonder how many candy bars it took to sign him.