The Capitals prospect has struggled to stay healthy since being drafted in 2021.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals prospect Haakon Hanelt is no stranger to adversity.
The only difference now, though, is that that adversity has the potential to make or break his shot at an NHL career as he remains unsigned entering his final year of eligibility with the Capitals organization.
It's a difficult feat, to earn an NHL contract and rise to the occasion, especially for a 2021 fifth-round pick who's battled numerous injuries. But Hanelt's ready — not just ready, eager — for the challenge.
"I'm ready to give it all at the camp and show them that I want to earn my contract," Hanelt said bluntly, adding, "It was always my dream to play in the NHL, and it still is."
Hanelt's not your typical hockey prospect.
The German center is comfortable playing pretty much anywhere in the lineup and takes pride in his stickhandling and skating ability. Off the ice, he's still a kid at heart, affectionately known as "Hank" in the locker room and famous for his round gold-rimmed eyeglasses (he doesn't like contacts and doesn't wear them when he skates).
At just 21 years old, he's already been through pretty much everything, from getting a taste of junior hockey in North America to going back overseas to play against grown men to injuries and subsequent surgeries.
He's coming off a bit of a rough back home playing in the DEL, where he chose to return and capitalize on the opportunity to play against grown men after a couple of years in the QMJHL didn't go according to plan. He had just two points in 38 games with the Cologne Sharks, but by the time playoffs rolled around, he was playing top-6 minutes.
"I had a tough start in the beginning, I was like the youngest, didn't really play much on our team," Hanelt explained. "The further the season went on, I got more confidence."
After his season ended, Hanelt got a tryout with the AHL's Hershey Bears. He stayed at Vincent Iorio's place during his short stint with Hershey, and that sweet taste of professional hockey has inspired him even more to earn his entry-level contract.
"I absolutely loved it," Hanelt said.
Still, the 6-foot-1 pivot is well aware of why he hasn't put pen to paper yet; he's struggled to stay healthy.
In his post-draft year, Hanelt suffered a severe shoulder injury that required surgery and put the majority of his rookie year in the QMJHL on hold. Just one season later, Hanelt broke his heel while training for the World Juniors, again hindering his development.
"Of course, it's frustrating. it's a setback, but like any setback, I think it also builds your character," Hanelt pointed out.
Fast forward to this summer, and Hanelt's feeling better than he has in the past. His shoulder is fully healed — he insists it's even better than it was before the surgery — along with his heel. He's been training rigorously for the upcoming season with boxers and other athletes and spending a lot of time on the ice to boot.
It's paid off, as the team acknowledged a drop in body fat percentage and an increase in muscle mass at development camp. He was also among the standout performers at camp thanks to his quick hands and speed.
For Hanelt, it's a testament to the work he's put in. It's never been a question of Hanelt's talent; for the front office now, it's about him staying healthy.
Hanelt will attend training camp in the fall and hopes, at the very least, to leave the DMV under contract. If he doesn't sign with Washington this year, he will become an unrestricted free agent and will have to start from the ground up.
"I would say (the urgency's rising) a little bit. I'm on this last year, so I know this is the time where I really have to show up now and really earn it," Hanelt said.
Still, it's never been a question of Hanelt's talent; for the front office now, it's about him staying healthy. But also for Hanelt, it's about keeping that joy for the game despite the circumstances.
"I play hockey because I always had fun with it. I think if the fun part is missing, you can't play at your best," he pointed out. "I'm always trying to have a fun part in it, but at the same time, it's competition."
