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Capitals Sign WHL Forward Henrik Rybinski To Entry-Level Deal

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The Capitals have reportedly signed Henrik Rybinski

The Washington Capitals are adding another forward to their arsenal. Washington has signed Seattle Thunderbirds forward and free agent Henrik Rybinski (AKA Henry Rybinski) to a three-year, entry-levfel contract, the team announced Tuesday.

Rybinski will remain with the Thunderbirds this season, and his contract will begin in the 2022-23 campaign. March 1 is the first day that teams can sign free agent prospects to entry-level deals that begin next year.

Through 39 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds this season, Rybinski has 18 goals and 36 assists. He is on pace for 81 points in 54 games with Seattle this season. He ranks 27th in scoring among all WHL skaters.

Rybinski was originally taken by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round (No. 139) of the 2019 NHL Draft. However, he did not sign with the club and has been a free agent. He has been playing in the Western Hockey League since but also attended Edmonton Oilers rookie camp in September.

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The Vancouver, B.C. native originally started his WHL career with the Medicine Hat Tigers, but was unhappy with his role and ice time and requested a trade. While waiting to be dealt, he got to work with the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express, picking up a goal and 11 assists through nine games before being dealt to the T-Birds.

Overall, Rybinski is a smooth skater with good size and speed, and he owns a solid shot. He is right-handed but can play on both sides. While he has shown that he has goal-scoring ability, the 20-year-old has also proven himself to be a solid playmaker. Rybinski takes good care of the puck and has great stickhandling ability, and he can make plays on the fly.

It’s a solid pickup for Washington, who needs more forward depth. The Capitals have recently seen a lack of execution on offense, and more depth in the organization going forward is a step in the right direction.