This offseason, the Washington Capitals and a few of its prospects have some work and decisions to make. And things are starting to move throughout the organization as free agency draws near.
The KHL is apparently showing interest in prospect Joe Snively, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, according to Sports Express’ Arthur Khairullin.
Snively, a Herndon, Virginia native and Little Caps alumnus who signed with his hometown Capitals out of college in March 2019, has primarily spent his time with the AHL’s Hershey Bears, but has gotten a handful of opportunities up in the NHL.
In his 27 NHL games, the 28-year-old has six goals and five assists.
In 2023, he won the Calder Cup with the Bears. This past season, Snively recorded 14 goals and 45 assists for 59 points in 69 games with the Hershey Bears.
Going abroad would mean more money and playing time at the highest level for the 5-foot-9, 176-pound winger, who hasn’t been able to make it into the NHL on a full-time basis.
In other prospect news, goalie prospect Antoine Keller has signed with Lausanne HC and is taking a wise career move by returning to the National League in Switzerland.
The France native had played overseas before being drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Draft and spending this past year in the QMJHL with Acadie-Bathurst Titan.
Keller recorded a 17-12-5 record with a 3.05 GAA and a.897 save percentage in 37 games with the Titan this season. He also made an impression with a.925 save percentage in seven playoff games.
Going back to play in the NL will allow him to play against elite competition and continue his development at a high level as he attempts to prove he can someday evolve into a top NHL goaltender, especially with the Capitals organization experiencing an influx of goaltending depth.
