Capitals Agree To Terms With Four, Including Calder Cup MVP Hunter Shepard

Calder Cup MVP Hunter Shepard, as well as Hershey Bears captain Dylan McIlrath, will return to the Washington Capitals organization next season, the team announced Sunday.

The Capitals also announced the signings of two others: forward Matthew Phillips on a one-way contract, and forward Pierrick Dubé on a two-way contract.

Shepard, 27, posted a .916 save percentage in net for the Hershey Bears last season before taking on the role of No. 1 goalie in the Calder Cup Playoffs. He helped guide the Bears to a series win over the Coachella Valley Firebirds, earning Calder Cup MVP honors in the process. He received a two-year, two-way deal.

McIlrath, 31, tallied a career-high 13 assists with the Bears last season. He received a two-year, two-way deal.

Phillips, 25, tallied 76 points last season with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, who were coached by new Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love. Phillips was the AHL’s second-highest goal-scorer, in addition to finishing fifth in points. He received a one-year, one-way contract.

Dube, 22, most recently played for the AHL’s Laval Rocket, tallying 32 points in 44 games. He received a two-year, two-way deal.