The depth signings continue today with the Washington Capitals, who have announced contracts for both Matthew Phillips and Dylan McIlrath. Phillips will sign a one-year, $775K, one-way contract, while McIlrath will sign a two-year, $1.55MM, two-way contract.
Given that it is a one-way contract, it’s a reasonable expectation that Phillips will start the year with the Capitals, for good reason. Over the past two years, he has been one of the best forwards in the AHL, scoring 67 goals and 77 assists in only 131 games played for the Flames’ AHL affiliates, also earning a First Team All-Star nod last year. Unfortunately for Phillips, over those two years, he hasn’t gotten a serious look at the NHL level, only appearing in three games for the Flames.
In now what will be his third season in the Capitals organization, McIlrath brings a hard-hitting defenseman to the blue line. He’s not much in the way of points, evidenced by his 23 points in 134 games for the Hershey Bears, but McIlrath is an intimidating force nonetheless. One of the AHL’s most elite brawlers, McIlrath has racked up 201 PIMs in his two years with the Bears.
Being on a one-way contract doesn’t guarantee Phillips a spot on the Caps. It just means he will get the same money no matter where he plays. He’ll have to compete with players from the Hershey Bears
McIlrath is low on the depth chart, but they want him for Hershey. He’s probably about 9th, maybe 10th
Not sure why the Caps are picking up so many small players these days. Other than Edmunson, most of them are at or below 6 feet, including the recent draft picks. Going away from the formula that won them a Cup 5 years ago.