The Capitals got some work done ahead of the start of free agency.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have taken care of three of their restricted free agents ahead of the start of free agency, extending forward Ethen Frank, defenseman Chase Priskie and goaltender Mitchell Gibson.
Frank's new contract is a two-year, $1.55 million extension. The first year of Frank's contract is two-way, but it becomes a one-way deal in the second year.
The 26-year-old is expected to compete for NHL time this coming season after another strong year with the AHL's Hershey Bears. Frank posted 29 goals and 18 assists through 64 regular season games with the Bears, and also added 10 goals in the playoffs en route to a second consecutive Calder Cup.
Meanwhile, Priskie and Gibson both inked one-year, two-way extensions worth $775,000 at the NHL level.
Priskie, who was originally drafted by the Capitals, had an impressive first season with Hershey as a top-4, puck-moving defenseman. In 69 regular season games, he had eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points, and in the playoffs, he led all AHL blueliners in scoring with 14 points in 20 games.
Gibson is coming off of his first full professional hockey season, as he made the jump to the ECHL with the South Carolina Stingrays. In 42 games, he went 22-14-6 with a .899 save percentage and 2.56 GAA.
With those three signed, D.C. has just three more RFAs to address this offseason. The biggest is Connor McMichael, who took on a bigger role this season and is expected to continue to play a key part in the team's transition.
Beyond him, Washington also has to re-sign Hardy Häman Aktell and Alex Limoges.