The young right-handed defenseman signed an entry-level contract with Washington yesterday.

The Washington Capitals continued their busy offseason by signing right-handed defenseman Cam Allen to a three-year, entry-level contract with an average annual value of $886,667.

The Capitals selected Allen 136th overall in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. 

Over the last three seasons, Allen has played for the the Guelph Storm. This past season he also acted as an alternate captain for the team. 

Allen only played 25 games last season due to undergoing major shoulder surgery prior to the beginning of the season. In those limited games, he scored two goals and registered seven assists for a total of nine points. 

The 6-foot defender, is a good passer with great speed and above average puck handling skills. This combination makes him an excellent puck rushing defenseman who helps his team gain the offensive zone. 

He is considered a two-way defenseman capable of not only putting up the points and jumping into the rush, but also shutting down opposing forwards.

During his rookie season, Allen scored 13 goals while adding 24 assists for a total of 37 points. Subsequently, he was nominated to the First All-Rookie Team and received the Emms Family Award which is given to the OHL's Top First-Year Player. 

While his scoring dipped (13 goals 20 assists) in his sophomore campaign, he did find success on the international stage. 

He helped Canada to win a gold medal at the 2022 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and finished the tournament tied for third in scoring on the team with two goals and seven points in five games. 

That same year, he captained Canada to a bronze medal at the U-18 World Junior Championship. In seven games he registered four assists. 

As 2005-born player, Allen will be eligible to return to Guelph for a fourth consecutive season. A healthy season for the veteran defender could result in a much more productive year. 

In the next couple of years, Allen is likely to get a shot in the AHL where he will be able to continue his development.  

The Capitals are well equipped in terms of right-handed defenders. Currently under contract are veteran John Carlson, newly signed Matt Roy, Trevor van Riemsdyk and Ethan Bear. 

Despite this depth, it is widely known that elite right-handed defenders are hard to come by. Allen represents important depth for the Capitals who will undoubtedly continue to watch his development carefully.