Capitals Address One Of Outstanding RFAs & Re-Sign Henrik Rybinski; What To Know About Rising Prospect
The Capitals prospect pulled off a career year in 2024-25.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have taken care of one of their outstanding restricted free agents, re-signing Henrik Rybinski to a one-year, two-way contract.
Rybinski’s deal carries an average annual value of $775,000 at the NHL level and $130,000 in AHL.
The 24-year-old stood out in his third year with the Hershey Bears this season, posting career highs in goals (10), assists (25) and points (35) in 60 games. His 25 helpers, along with his 16.4 shooting percentage, ranked third-best on Hershey, and he earned time playing as the second-line center later in the year, too.
Rybinski, who was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers, signed his entry-level deal with the Capitals in 2022. He hasn’t played an NHL game yet but earned a call-up this past season, and Washington sees plenty of promise in the up-and-coming prospect.
"He's someone that wasn't necessarily on our radar to make (the team)," coach Spencer Carbery said during training camp, adding, "He's really impressed our staff, and I know management feels the same way."
"More confidence you feel... continuing to build off that," Rybinski said of his play, "You just gotta take advantage of (the opportunity)."
As the Capitals look to continue getting younger while injecting more prospects into the lineup, keep Rybinski on your radar.
Washington’s remaining RFAs are Hendrix Lapierre, Alex Alexeyev, Pierrick Dubé, Tobias Geisser and Mitchell Gibson. Gibson signed an AHL deal with Hershey for next year.