Smile, everyone! The Capitals announced Wednesday morning that they have re-signed pending restricted free agent defenseman Nate Schmidt to a two-year, one-way deal. Schmidt will make $750,000 in 2015-2016 and $875,000 in 2016-2017. With Mike Green’s likely departure, Schmidt should receive a full-time roster spot next season.
The 23-year-old Minnesotan has scored three goals and seven assists in 68 career games for the Capitals, including one goal and three assists in 39 games last season. He has tallied six goals and 20 assists in 65 career games with the Hershey Bears in the AHL.
Though he was sidelined by injury for part of the 2014-2015 season, Schmidt made the Caps “wayyyy better” when he was playing. Schmidt’s 54-percent possession was first among Caps defenseman.
So ecstatic to be back apart of the @washcaps organization! Awesome team, great fans,and I couldn't be happier to get next season started!
— Nate Schmidt (@nateschmidt29) June 17, 2015
Peter is excited.
me on the @nateschmidt29 conference call pic.twitter.com/OiwSNqz31Z
— Peter Hassett (@peterhassett) June 17, 2015
The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Nate Schmidt to a two-year, one-way contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. Schmidt will earn $750,000 during the 2015-16 season and $875,000 in 2016-17.
Schmidt, 23, registered four points (one goal, three assists) in a career-high 39 games with the Capitals last season. The St. Cloud, Minn., native made his NHL debut in 2013-14 and earned six points (two goals, four assists) in 29 games. Schmidt registered his first NHL point with an assist at Calgary on Oct. 26, 2013, and scored his first NHL goal on Dec. 7, 2013, against Nashville. In 68 career NHL games, Schmidt has registered 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and 16 penalty minutes.
Schmidt appeared in 19 games with Hershey (AHL) during the 2014-15 season, recording nine points (three goals, six assists). The 6’0”, 193-pound defenseman registered an AHL career-high three points (two goals, one assist) in his AHL season debut on Jan. 10 against Norfolk. Schmidt has recorded 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 65 career games with the Bears.
Prior to turning pro, Schmidt spent the 2012-13 season with the University of Minnesota, registering 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) in 40 games. Schmidt was named to the All-WCHA First Team after leading the League in scoring by defensemen. Schmidt finished the season ranked tied for third among all NCAA defensemen with 32 points including a career-high nine goals. He also led all collegiate defensemen and ranked tied for sixth among all skaters with 19 power-play points. In 96 career games at Minnesota (2010-13), Schmidt tallied 74 points (12 goals, 62 assists) as a two-time All-WCHA defenseman.
