The Washington Capitals saw another former player opt to head overseas this offseason, with prospect Riley Sutter officially signing with the KHL's Shanghai Dragons on Tuesday.
Sutter, who was taken in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft, spent six seasons with the Hershey Bears. While he did put himself on the radar and establish himself as a reliable utility player, he couldn't capture an opportunity on the Capitals roster over the years.
With Sutter headed to China, that marks eight total Hershey players, including five who were under contract with Washington, who are leaving North America to pursue opportunities in Europe, as AHL reporter Tony Androckitis also pointed out on X.
In addition to Sutter, Alex Limoges signed with the KHL's Dinamo Minsk, Pierrick Dubé inked a deal with Traktor and Chase Priskie, who was traded to the Minnesota Wild as part of the deal for Declan Chisholm, signed with Sibir, while Mike Sgarbossa chose to head to the National League's HC Lugano.
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Hershey's Mike Vecchione, who signed with Traktor this summer, was traded to Barys Astana just weeks after putting pen to paper. Jake Massie is also playing with Barys, and forward Luke Philp is over in the SHL with Farjestad BK.
Former Capitals prospect Joe Snively also signed in Sweden this summer.
The AHL has seen a mass exodus of players to Europe this offseason, and a lot of it has come down to different playing opportunities and salary, but also, more staibility.