Washington Capitals sign Ryan Chesley to three-year deal amid rising expectations

The Washington Capitals have taken a significant step toward strengthening their defensive future by signing rising star Ryan Chesley to a three-year entry-level contract. With the 2025-26 season marking the start of his NHL journey, Capitals fans and hockey analysts alike are watching closely to see if Chesley can develop into the reliable, shutdown defenseman the franchise desperately needs. This move reflects Washington’s commitment to investing in young talent as they look to balance a competitive roster with long-term potential.Selected 37th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Ryan Chesley has steadily built an impressive and well-rounded resume through his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota and his early professional exposure with the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League (AHL). The 21-year-old defenseman’s newly signed three-year contract carries an average annual NHL salary of $923,333, along with a corresponding AHL salary, clearly signaling the Capitals’ strong belief in his future potential and impact on their roster.Chesley’s development at Minnesota showcased his versatile two-way ability — consistently contributing 38 points while maintaining a strong defensive presence, reflected in a remarkable plus-minus rating of +34 over 115 NCAA games. Notably, he excelled in blocked shots and took on key leadership roles, qualities that NHL teams highly value in young defensemen striving to make the leap to the professional level.Adding to his credentials, Chesley’s international experience further enhances his profile, having represented the United States twice at the prestigious IIHF World Junior Championships. He earned a gold medal in 2024 while serving as an alternate captain and logging heavy minutes against some of the best young talent in the world.Also Read: No love like a Mother’s: Jane Gaudreau remembers late son Johnny Gaudreau in an emotional tweet that breaks internetWhile his full transition to the pro level is just beginning, Chesley’s promising performance with the Hershey Bears — recording points early in his AHL stint — shows clear potential that he could soon become a vital contributor on Washington’s blue line. As the Capitals look to bolster their defense and strategically prepare for future challenges, Ryan Chesley’s signing might very well prove to be a pivotal move in the organization’s ongoing rebuild and quest for sustained playoff success.