The Washington Capitals have added some minor league depth, signing free agent forward Michael Vecchione to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will carry an NHL salary of $750K and an AHL salary of $195K.
In the spring of 2017, Vecchione was being chased by more than half the NHL following his 63-point senior season for Union College. He ended up signing with the Philadelphia Flyers and played two games for the team down the stretch, but has still not seen even a minute of NHL ice time since. Over the last four seasons, he’s been stuck in the minor leagues, posting strong—but not outstanding—numbers for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, San Antonio Rampage and Colorado Eagles.
Now 28, it’s unlikely that Vecchione will ever be an impact player at the NHL level, but he’s certainly a nice minor league piece for the Hershey Bears. Washington has always tried to provide their AHL affiliate with veteran talent, and this year is no different. Vecchione should step directly into a leading role with the team, while also serving as some injury insurance for the Capitals.
Wow, they finally did something