The Washington Capitals are set to lose contract rights to prospect defenseman Brent Johnson, one of their recent draft picks.
The signing deadline for prospects graduating from NCAA programs after four years is August 15th, and Johnson finished out his college career at Ohio State University this past spring. The Capitals selected Johnson from the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede in the third round (80th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
PuckPedia shared the complete list of 25 drafted college players who will become unrestricted free agents if they aren’t signed to an NHL deal by the deadline.
Johnson began his NCAA career at the University of North Dakota, playing in 36 total games for the Fighting Hawks during his freshman and sophomore seasons. He then transferred to Ohio State for his junior year and immediately found more playing time, getting into 37 games.
In his final year with the Buckeyes, Johnson recorded 13 points (5g, 8a) in 38 games. Ohio State made the 2025 NCAA Tournament but were ousted 8-3 in its opening round by Cole Hutson and the rest of the Boston University Terriers.
Johnson, who believes he was named after former Capitals goaltender Brent Johnson, was not in attendance at the Capitals’ development camp earlier this summer. He had attended the prior three camps before missing this year’s.
The 22-year-old rearguard began his professional career last spring, signing an ECHL contract with the Wheeling Nailers. He played in four games for the Nailers, including one playoff outing, recording three points (1g, 2a). He also made his AHL debut with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
