Washington Capitals sign AHL all-star Ethen Frank to one-year deal

The Washington Capitals have added some depth for the 2023-24 season, signing forward Ethen Frank to a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000.

This is the first NHL contract for the 25-year-old, who represented Hershey at the AHL all-star game and won the fastest skater competition.

Frank has 41 points in 45 games with the Bears this season, while his 24 goals are good for fifth in the league. He’s the highest-scoring rookie goal-scorer and is one behind Iowa’s Sammy Walker for the overall freshman scoring lead. His 0.91 points-per-game average is good to lead all rookies.

Before turning pro, Frank, an undrafted free agent signing, spent two seasons with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. From there, he went on to have a solid five-year run with Western Michigan University, recording 70 goals and 118 points in 158 games. Only two players had more goals in that frame.

Frank signed an AHL deal to close out the 2021-22 season, scoring once in a five-game run with Hershey. He took his game to a whole other level this season, quickly becoming one of the Bears’ top scorers.

The Capitals have three potential UFA forwards in Craig Smith, Connor Brown, Carl Hagelin, Conor Sheary and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. Frank’s cheap salary and solid scoring ability could make him someone to watch in the lineup next year as the team looks to stay relevant in the playoff race.

Like all deals involving previously unsigned prospects this week, Frank’s contract won’t kick in until next season.