Capitals forward Ethen Frank signed a two-year, $4 million contract extension with them on Wednesday that will keep him in Washington through the 2027-28 season.
Frank is in his first full season as a Capital after scoring four goals in 24 games last season. This year, the 28-year-old has established himself as a solid rotational player, scoring 11 goals and 12 assists in 52 games. Frank will make $1.2 million per year more than his current contract of $775,000. He was set to be a restricted free agent after this season.
His scoring output has impressed Washington’s staff, given his limited playing time. Frank’s 11 goals rank seventh in the NHL among players who average less than 13 minutes of ice time per game.
The Denver native and Western Michigan product is a speedster on an aging Capitals roster that is retooling for the future. He reached a top speed of 23.52 mph on the ice this season and ranks in the 97th percentile for skating speed across the league, according to NHL Edge.
The deal arrives just two days before the NHL’s trade deadline. Washington’s strategy is an open question as the Capitals sit four points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot with 19 games remaining.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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