After two injury-riddled years, the 20-year-old is headed back to Germany and believes he can thrive there and get the Capitals' attention.
ARLINGTON, V.A. -- Despite a rough past couple of years, Washington Capitals prospect Haakon Hanelt still looks out at the ice -- sporting his classic big, round glasses and a grin -- with hope and wonder after wrapping up development camp.
As he prepares to head back home for the upcoming campaign, he's not only looking to stay healthy after back-to-back years of injuries but to prove himself to the Capitals with two years left to earn an entry-level contract.
"I want to show them that I'm ready to make the step overseas to the Capitals organization," Hanelt told The Hockey News, adding, "I'm just trying to develop the best way I can and show them that I'm ready to play here."
That'll mean putting the last two years, which have been filled with adversity and devastating breaks, in the rearview.
It started in 2021-22 when he chose to come overseas from the DEL to continue his development with the QMJHL's Gatineau Olympiques. A devastating shoulder injury and subsequent surgery held him out for a majority of his rookie campaign, but he returned late in the season and put up 10 points in his final 16 games.
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Things started to look up as he was healthy enough to skate at development camp, play for Germany in the postponed 2022 World Juniors and experience Capitals training camp, but his luck would change in December.
He'd started the season strong with Gatineau and earned a spot on his country's 2023 WJC squad, but during training and preparations for the tournament, he suffered a broken heel. He was limited to just 34 games, recording three goals and 15 assists for 18 points.
"It was a tough bounce," he said. "I bounced back. I hope to have a good season, hopefully, this year without any injuries. I didn't have any injuries before these last two years, so it's just tough."
Assistant general manager Ross Mahoney agreed, adding that situations like Hanelt's can take a toll on a young player trying to make his mark.
"That's part of the adversity that you go through... for Haakon, it's just a matter of staying healthy, having a good year, getting his confidence back," Mahoney said. "It's hard sometimes, even though it's injuries, they're physical, it becomes mental."
For Hanelt, that progress will be made back home. The Berlin native made the decision to leave juniors and return to the DEL's Kölner Haie. He'd played with the Berlin Polar Bears in his draft year, which helped him first catch Washington's eye.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward explained that it was an easy decision and that the difference in leagues will allow him to make more progress in his development.
"I want to play pro again," he explained. "Like, get into that big game with the big guys. If you want to play in 'The Show,' you got to play against big men, like pro game. So I think that will help me a lot," Hanelt said. "I got used to the small ice, so I think that will help me in getting to the next step."
Hanelt's playing style is one that is of interest to a team like the Capitals. He's a versatile player who can play any position and has even shifted to defense, and he can get to the high-danger areas and use his hockey IQ and size to his advantage.
Since being selected, he's improved his skating and strength. He's also taken pride in his stickhandling, which he's dialed in on over the last couple of years.
"I'm trying to work on that. When I look at the top guys here, they have exceptional hands," he said. "Good speed, really good hockey IQ, so I mean to keep up with them, you got to practice that all day, and that's what I'm trying to do so that I can play one day too and win the Cup here."
Hanelt said he has also been fortunate to have his fellow prospects in his corner. Hendrix Lapierre and Vincent Iorio, who just won a Calder Cup with the AHL's Hershey Bears, have checked in on him and taken him under his wing. The group refers to themselves as "three peas in a pod."
"During the season, we were basically calling each other at least once every two weeks," Hanelt said. "Vinny called me during the camp a couple times, asked me how it's going. We're still having a really good connection."
Ultimately, while major injuries in back-to-back have led to some setbacks in progress, he remains confident in his skill set and ability and still sees himself as a key player in the NHL one day. And, in a weird way, he believes those ailments have changed him for the better.
"It makes you stronger; if you have a setback, you get [back] in there. So I'm looking forward to next season," Hanelt smiled.