The Capitals brought in Matthew Phillips on a one-way deal and Pierrick Dubé and Alex Limoges on two-way deals. Here's more on what they bring to the table and why Washington's gambles can pay off big time.
The Washington Capitals still have some work to do in the offseason, but so far, they've made some progress by adding Max Pacioretty and Joel Edmundson while also signing Matthew Phillips a couple of other AHLers to low-risks deals -- and in those names, they see a lot of potential.
Washington signed forwards Pierrick Dubé and Alex Limoges to two-way deals? and Matthew Phillips to a one-way contract. Dubé's deal is a two-year, entry-level contract, while Limoges and Phillips' deals are for one year.
General manager Brian MacLellan spoke more on the new additions with Capitals writer Mike Vogel, saying that they can make an impact in different ways and still have upside and a lot to offer the organization.
With Dubé, MacLellan said he saw him being similar to a college free agent signing. The Lyon, France native is mostly known for his lethal shot, as well as his quick hands and ability to create time and space. He has good puck control and a high hockey QA, and he's able to play with speed and keep his feet moving to open up passing and shooting lanes and pounce on secondary opportunities.
"There is some potential upside in Dubé," MacLellan told Vogel, adding, "Our guys think he has a chance with development and with time. I don't know what level he can get to, but he has a lot of qualities that could translate to the NHL. So it's worth a chance to see what he can do, and because of his age, you're adding a prospect to your group."
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Limoges has shown what he can do at the AHL level, making a statement over the course of his three seasons split between the San Diego Gulls and Manitoba Moose. The Virginia native and Penn State alum had 54 points in 63 games last season and has totalled 115 points in 148 career AHL games.
Looking at his game, he possesses a high hockey IQ and reads the game well. He's a versatile forward who can play multiple roles, come up with plays on the fly and serve as a catalyst on offense.
Phillips, meanwhile, has three games of NHL experience and has found his footing in recent years at the AHL level, busting onto the scene with back-to-back 30-goal seasons with the Calgary Wranglers. He also has a connection to new Capitals assistant Mitch Love, who was his bench boss back in Calgary.
Though he's only 5-foot-7 and 140 pounds, the 25-year-old plays bigger than he is. He's speedy, likes to battle for the puck and skates well. His speed helps him evade defenders, while his quick hands and scoring sense makes him a threat on a nightly basis.
While there are questions as to whether or not he can keep up with the big bodies at the highest level, there's no risk in rolling the dice for Washington. After all, the worst that could happen is that he goes down to the Hershey Bears and makes his mark there.
"We'll give him a chance to figure it out and see where he goes," MacLellan noted in his interview.