Washington is the "closest" to signing the 24-year-old blueliner to an NHL contract, per local Swedish outlets.

The Washington Capitals are looking to make upgrades this offseason, and per reports, they are closing in on a big-name defenseman out of the Swedish Hockey League: Hardy Häman Aktell.

Per HockeySverige.se and Smålandsposten, a local paper in Växjö, Sweden, Washington is the "closest to agreeing" on a deal with Häman Aktell following his standout year with the SHL's Växjö Lakers. Nothing is set in stone at this time, though he is expected to play in North America in 2023-24.

The 24-year-old was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Draft. However, he never signed with the club and is an unrestricted free agent.

Häman Aktell had a breakout season in 2022-23 for the Lakers, dishing nine goals and 27 assists for 36 points in 51 games. Then, in the Swedish National Championships, he recorded seven points in 18 games en route to another SHL title.

The 6-4, 198-pound blueliner has gotten more ice time and has capitalized on his opportunity. He can control the tempo of the game, takes good care of the puck and can move the play up ice while joining the rush. Hâman Aktell, a left-handed shot, is also smooth-skating defenseman who owns a physical, aggressive style of play and uses his size to his advantage.

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It would be a major pickup for the Capitals, who have a lot of work to do this summer after failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in nine years.

General manager Brian MacLellan said that the team is happy with its right side, but he sees room for improvement.

"I think we could still improve it a little bit," MacLellan said of the d-corps. "We'll look at opportunities to do that. I like the right side, what they've contributed. They all have roles they fill within our team, and they do it well. The left side, we've got three 23-year-old guys that are all looking to improve and get better and get to the next level."

On the right side, Washington re-signed Trevor van Riemsdyk and Nick Jensen to extensions this season and also got John Carlson back after he fractured his skull and severed his temporal artery on Dec. 23.

When it comes to the LHD, MacLellan acquired Rasmus Sandin, who hopes to remain in D.C. for a long time and also has to address RFAs Martin Fehervary and Alex Alexeyev. Bringing in a strong up-and-comer like Häman Aktell would no doubt be a major boost.