Capitals Sign Goalie Prospect Garin Bjorklund to One-Year Extension
The Washington Capitals have re-signed goaltending prospect Garin Bjorklund to a one-year, two-way contract, the team announced on Monday. The deal carries a value of $775,000 at the NHL level—the league minimum—and $110,000 at the AHL level with the Hershey Bears.
Bjorklund, a 2020 sixth-round draft pick by Washington, had an outstanding 2024-25 season with the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays. The 23-year-old netminder posted a stellar 21-4-3 record, a 2.02 goals-against average, a .927 save percentage, and one shutout across 29 games.
His performance was instrumental in helping South Carolina achieve a franchise-best 52-15-5 regular-season record, earning them 109 standings points and the Brabham Cup, awarded to the ECHL team with the best regular-season record.
Bjorklund’s path to pro success has not been easy. After playing four seasons with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, he underwent back surgery for two herniated discs, limiting him to just one game in the 2022-23 season. He rebounded in 2023-24, playing 27 games with a 14-11-1 record, a 3.33 GAA, a .882 save percentage, and one shutout.
This past season marked a major leap forward. In addition to his strong ECHL performance, Bjorklund made his AHL debut with the Hershey Bears, appearing in two games and going 2-0 with a 1.29 GAA and a .942 save percentage. His first AHL start came on March 26, where he stopped 26 shots in a 4-1 win over Bridgeport.
Notably, he received mentorship at times from former Capitals star Braden Holtby, one of several NHL goalies—including Logan Thompson and Philipp Grubauer—who developed through South Carolina.
Bjorklund was set to become a restricted free agent this summer, but his new deal ensures he remains in the Capitals’ system for another year as he continues his upward trajectory.
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