While it's not a major signing, it's still a good one.
The Washington Capitals signed 20-year-old Liam O'Brien to his first pro contract yesterday. O'Brien played in 5 preseason games scoring 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) and acquiring 17 PIM - including three fights. Not bad for a kid who was undrafted and had no professional experience.
per the Capitals website:
O’Brien, 20, registered 35 points (20 goals, 15 assists) and 148 penalty minutes in 68 games with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec league (QMJHL) during the 2013-14 season. The 6’1…, 210-pound left wing finished the season ranked first among Huskies skaters in penalty minutes, third in goals, sixth in points, tied for ninth on the team in assists and 10th in the QMJHL in penalty minutes. In 261 career QMJHL games with Rouyn-Noranda and Rimouski, O’Brien registered 95 points (42 goals. 53 assists) and 493 penalty minutes.
“I think I surprised some people,… said O’Brien, “But this is the way that I play and I’m just glad they like me.
O'Brien signed a 3-year Entry Level deal. He is still eligible to play for Sherbrooke in QMJHL, but he could be sent to Hershey to start the season, and could a call to play for the Caps this year.
The Caps were rumored to be looking for some toughness on the roster, especially since Tom Wilson will be sidelined until November now. O'Brien could fill in that fourth line along with Chris Brown.
The Capitals must finalize their 23-man roster by 5pm Tuesday.
More to come...
Follow me on Twitter: @_Mellin_