Prospect Talk: Parascak Continues Development for NHL Role

Former Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan took care of the team for one more offseason, before handing the reins over to new GM Chris Patrick. One of those responsibilities was running his last NHL draft. The Capitals held the 17th pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. They could have gone in a few different directions with their selection. Washington chose winger Terik Parascak of the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL). There are a few interesting points about the new Capitals prospect for fans to know.

Parascak’s Junior Hockey Background

Parascak joined the Cougars and only played in four regular-season games for the 2022-23 season. Additionally, he played in one postseason game for Prince George as well. He did not register any points throughout that entire campaign. His first real WHL season came last year in 2023-24. Parascak suited up in 68 games for the Cougars. He scored 43 goals and registered 62 assists for 105 points. His 105 points had him finish third on the team in scoring. Only Zac Funk (123 points) and Riley Heidt (117) had more.

Parascak also produced in the 2024 playoffs for Prince George. In 12 postseason games, Parascak tallied six goals and eight assists for 14 points. He provided offensive depth in his first WHL playoff run. His 14 points in that postseason had him top-five on the roster in points. His teammates who were ahead of him in the 2024 playoffs statistically were Ondrej Becher (19 points in 15 games), Riley Heidt (19 points in 15 games), Zac Funk (18 points in 15 games), and Hudson Thornton (15 points in 15 games).

Parascak Has Teammate Familiarity with Funk and Thornton

Parascak is not the only Prince George Cougar in the Washington Capitals’ system. His teammate Zac Funk signed with the Capitals as an undrafted free agent on March 1. Funk not only led the Cougars in points with 123 points (67 goals and 56 assists), but he also finished second in the whole WHL. Only Jagger Firkus of the Moose Jaw Warriors had more points with 126.

If Parascak and Funk were not enough from the Prince George Cougars, Washington also has defenseman Hudson Thornton in their system as well. The former Cougars captain signed a contract with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate Hershey Bears on April 10. Last season for Prince George, Thornton scored 18 goals and registered 56 assists for 74 points in 68 games. He also scored six goals and tallied nine assists for 15 points in 15 postseason games for the Cougars.

The Capitals liked what these Cougars brought to the table in Prince George. That familiarity they have together as WHL teammates could potentially transition to the NHL level if all works out and both play for the club. It would not be the first time junior or college teammates would reunite and continue their chemistry in the NHL. It also is obvious that Parascak caught the Capitals’ eyes while they were looking into bringing both Funk and Thornton in as organizational depth. As a result, they were able to get all three talents from the WHL franchise.

Capitals Signed Parascak and NHL Comparison

It did not take long for the Washington Capitals to sign Terik Parascak to his three-year, entry-level contract. The organization announced the news on July 5, 2024. It was one of Brian MacLellan’s last moves before Chris Patrick took over as GM.

It will be interesting to follow Parascak’s development. If can become close to what his NHL comparisons are, Washington is going to have a stellar player to watch for many seasons to come. TSN’s Craig Button made the comparison of Parascak to Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes. Jarvis has been a solid forward for the Hurricanes. He proved to be a key piece to the offense and was recently signed to an eight-year, $63.2 million deal. If Parascak can put up similar numbers to what Jarvis has done in Carolina, he is going to be dangerous in D.C. Below are the stats Jarvis has registered so far in his career:

• 2021-22: 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in 68 games
• 2022-23: 14 goals and 25 assists for 39 points in 82 games
• 2023-24: 33 goals and 34 assists for 67 points in 81 games

Terik Parascak has been compared to both Seth Jarvis and Tyler Toffoli (pictured here with the New Jersey Devils).

Another NHL talent Parascak is compared to is Tyler Toffoli, who has a career-high in points with 73 that he produced back in 2022-23 with the Calgary Flames (34 goals and 39 assists). Toffoli has also reached the 20+ goal mark on six different occasions. Last season was split between the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets. Between his stats on both clubs, Toffoli scored a total of 33 goals and 22 assists for 55 points in 79 games. If Parascak becomes the Capitals’ version of Toffoli, then drafting him was another slam dunk by MacLellan.

There are a few young Capitals draft picks to keep an eye on for the 2024-25 campaign. There is forward Ryan Leonard at Boston College, there is defenseman Vincent Iorio, and then there is Terik Parascak. I am curious how all three of these players take the next step, and I am especially intrigued with Parascak. When he is in D.C. for training camp and preseason, I look forward to how he stands out among his other camp teammates. How will he perform in his first NHL training camp? Will he fit in right away? Some answers to these questions and more will come later this month.