The Capitals inked the 24-year-old to a one-year, two-way deal.
ARLINGTON, V.A. -- The Washington Capitals bolstered the blue line on Thursday, inking defenseman Hardy Häman Aktell to a one-year, two-way entry-level contract.
Häman Aktell's deal will pay $775,000 at the NHL level and $82,500 at the AHL level.
The 24-year-old was originally taken in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators but did not remain with the organization. He struggled with injuries after being drafted but has since gotten healthy and has proven to be a steady presence on the backend while making a statement as one of the top European free agents on the market.
Through 51 games with the SHL's Växjö Lakers this past season, Häman Aktell dished nine goals and 27 assists and was the team's second-highest scorer, while also ranking third among all SHL defensemen in points. His plus/minus of plus-23 also led all Lakers skaters, and he also helped his team capture the SHL title with seven points in 18 playoff games.
Häman Aktell is a left-handed defenseman who brings a lot to the table and can also play on the power play and penalty kill. He brings size and strong skating ability, and he plays a solid two-way game. Häman Aktell has a strong first pass out of the zone and owns a wicked shot, and he doesn't shy away from joining the rush and making plays.
At the other end of the ice, the 6-3 220-pound defenseman uses his size and speed to his advantage and battles hard, plays physical and makes sure he is in the right position.
When it comes to where he fits in, general manager Brian MacLellan mentioned that he would potentially look to add to the blue line. He said he was happy on the right side but acknowledged they could add more on the left, with Martin Fehervary, Rasmus Sandin and Alex Alexeyev all young and still improving.
Häman Aktell will get to show what he can do at training camp and will look to win a roster spot while the Capitals look to return to top form in 2023-24 after missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.