Young forward Riley Barber will try his luck in Montreal next season. The Canadiens have announced a one-year, two-way deal with the 25-year-old that pays him the minimum $700K at the NHL level with $400K guaranteed. The former college standout at Miami University has played in just three NHL games with the Washington Capitals over four seasons in the organization and will look for more of an opportunity next year.
After signing with Washington out of Miami University (Ohio) after three years, he immediately put up big numbers for the Hershey Bears of the AHL, but opportunities with a loaded Capitals squad were few and far between as he only got a three-game stint with the team in the 2016-17 season. However, while his name was often brought up in the last two years as a potential fourth-line option, the 25-year-old Barber has never been able win a spot with the team, despite showing his offensive skills. He tallied 31 goals and 60 points for Hershey this season.
He should get a solid chance to prove himself although he will have to prove compete with players like Matthew Peca, Nate Thompson and Jordan Weal if he wants to establish himself in the NHL.