The Washington Capitals got some important prospect updates over the last couple of weeks, losing the rights to one while seeing another take a key step on his journey.
Washington failed to sign defensive prospect Brent Johnson ahead of the signing deadline back on Aug. 15. He became an unrestricted free agent, and on Saturday, signed a one-year AHL deal with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, per insider Tony Androckitis.
Johnson went the NCAA route, playing with the University of North Dakota before tranferring to Ohio State. The 22-year-old had 13 points in 38 games last season and was a minus-6, and couldn't meet the level of play he was at back when he was taken in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
Now, he'll get a new opportunity with the Penguins organization and is set to spend time between the AHL and the team's ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers.
Meanwhile, forward prospect Miroslav Satan Jr. is taking the major junior route, as the OHL's Saginaw Spirit claimed the rights to him through league entry waivers earlier in the week. He will be at the Spirit's upcoming training camp.
Washington traded back into the seventh round in 2024 to acquire Satan, who stands at 6-foot-7 and is a longer-term project for the group. He spent last season with the USHL's Omaha Lancers, putting up four points in 45 games.