Washington Capitals‘ undrafted defenseman Nate Schmidt(5) recently signed a 2-year entry level deal leaving his final year at University Of Minnesota behind and was reassigned to minor league affiliate Hershey Bears to start his pro career and hopefully help them into the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Objective achieved, as he jumped right in playing through virtually every situation, contributing a goal and 3 assists in 8 AHL regular season games. He added another pair of helpers in 5 postseason games before his team was eliminated in a fifth and decisive game of the Quarterfinals.
He was a heck of a set-up player through his last two seasons in college hockey, so no doubt the parent club will look for him to continue that trend.
The very solid 5’11” 199 lbs. blue liner was recalled to join the “black aces” practice squad as the Capitals begin their quest for the Stanley Cup.
At only 21-years old, he still has time and room to further fill out his frame and may get a long look in upcoming training camps.
His contract already kicked in for 2012/2013, so his official rookie campaign will actually be the second of his deal and he’ll become a restricted free agent at the end of next season.
