Capitals Sign Shane Gersich

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Shane Gersich to a two-year entry-level contract beginning this season, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. Gersich's contract will carry an average annual value of $925,000 and he will report to the Capitals today.

The Capitals selected Gersich in the fifth round, 134th overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Gersich, 21, recorded 29 points (13g, 16a) in 40 games with the University of North Dakota in his junior season, making him the second-highest goal scorer at North Dakota. Gersich also recorded four game-winning goals, tied for the most on the Fighting Hawks this season.

The Chaska, Minn. native finished his NCAA career with 77 points (43g, 34a) in 117 games. The 5'11", 175-pound forward was a NCAA All-Star Team Honorable Mention in his sophomore year after leading North Dakota in points (21g, 16a in 40 games), a season that included nine multi-point games. In his 2015-16 freshman season, Gersich's nine goals ranked third among freshman at North Dakota, and Gersich scored the opening goal in the 2016 National Championship, which led to an eventual 5-1 win.

Gersich played in 52 games for the Omaha Lancers in the USHL in the 2014-15 season, leading the team in points (51), goals (28), power play points (16), power play goals (10) and game-winning goals (5). A product of the United States National Development Program, Gersichrecorded 32 points (16g, 16a) in 61 games in the 2013-14 season. Gersich also played in seven games U-18 World Junior Championship, earning a gold medal with Team USA.