With a thin core of forward prospects, the Capitals looked locally and announced the signing of Herndon, Virginia native Joe Snively on Monday to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2019-20 season.
Snively, 23, is an undrafted free agent who played the last four years for Yale in the NCAA. He led the team in all four seasons. He scored 15 goals and 36 points in 33 games in his senior season. His skillset reportedly caught the eye of several other NHL clubs, but he elected to sign with his hometown team.
Yale senior and Herndon, Va., native Joe Snively has picked the hometown #Caps. More than 20 #NHL teams had expressed interest as his season wound down.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 18, 2019
Snively is an alum of the Washington Little Capitals, the local youth hockey program based at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. He played junior hockey in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers tallying 64 points in 55 games.
He was also a four-time Virginia state MVP pick, which I'm sure he cherishes https://t.co/4cEouEkP14
— Nate Ewell (@nateewell) March 18, 2019
“Obviously a unique situation with a local kid, which is phenomenal,” Todd Reirden said. “But it's very competitive to sign those free agents out of college, and we're fortunate to be able to add someone (who's) almost like a free player.”
Snively is not eligible to play with the Caps this season, so do not expect him to suit up in red anytime soon. Washington is at its maximum number of contracts with 50, which is why Snively’s contract is set to start for the 2019-20 season. He could, however, potentially play in Hershey on a tryout agreement.
MORE CAPITALS NEWS
- Power Rankings: By how much do Caps trail Lightning this week?
- Method Men: Behind the scenes of Caps' pregame routines
- Playoff Picture: Caps and Pens looking like a first-round matchup
- Top 20 Goals: Burakovsky’s Statement Game 7 vs. Lightning