ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman David Gucciardi to a two-year, entry-level contract and plan to sign Ryan Chesley to a three-year, entry-level deal, the team announced on Monday.
Gucciardi's contract starts next season and carries an AAV of $855,000 at the NHL level and $82,500 at the AHL level. He is expected to sign an amateur tryout with the Hershey Bears this season and begin his pro career in the minors, as is Chesley.
The 22-year-old defenseman just finished his NCAA career with Michigan State. In 37 games in his senior season, he recorded a career-high six goals, 10 assists, 16 points, 88 shots and plus/minus rating of plus-21. Gucciardi helped the Spartans secure a consecutive Big Ten Conference Tournament title.
Gucciardi recorded career highs in goals (6), assists (10), points (16), plus-minus (+21) and shots (88) in 37 games with Michigan State (NCAA) this season. The fourth-year senior ranked second on the Spartans in plus-minus, third in blocked shots (39) and tied for first among the team’s defensemen in goals. The 6’1”, 200-pound defenseman helped Michigan State claim its second straight Big Ten Conference Tournament title and earn its second consecutive NCAA Tournament bid.
Washington selected Gucciardi in the seventh round (No. 213) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Chesley, who was taken in the second round (No. 37) in the 2022 NHL Draft, just finished his NCAA tenure with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.