The Washington Capitals announced they signed 2022 seventh-round draft selection David Gucciardi to a two-year, entry-level contract on Monday morning.
Gucciardi, 22, has played the past four seasons in the NCAA with Michigan State. The prospect defenseman’s contract will begin next season, and he will earn $855k at the NHL level and $82.5k in the AHL.
Gucciardi had the best offensive output of his college career in his senior season with the Spartans, posting 16 points (6g, 10a) in 37 games. Michigan State was upset in the first round of this year’s NCAA Tournament by Cornell after earning an automatic bid through winning the Big Ten Conference tournament.
In his final college season, Gucciardi ranked first on the Spartans in goals by a defender (6), second in overall plus/minus (+21), and third in blocked shots (39). In 139 career games at Michigan State, he recorded 45 points (17g, 28a).
Gucciardi attended Capitals development camps in 2022 and 2023 but was not present at this past summer’s camp. He is the fifth member of the Caps’ 2022 draft class to sign an entry-level deal, following Ivan Miroshnichenko, Alexander Suzdalev, Ludwig Persson, and Ryan Hofer. Ryan Chesley is expected to follow them at a later date.
The Toronto native is expected to sign an amateur tryout agreement with the Hershey Bears and spend the rest of the season in the AHL.
