Michigan State's David Gucciardi, right, celebrates with Tanner Kelly after Kelly's goal against Minnesota during the second period on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Munn Arena in East Lansing.

nhl

Capitals Sign David Gucciardi to Entry-Level Contract

Washington inks defense prospect David Gucciardi to a two-year deal, sending him to AHL Hershey to begin his pro career.

Michigan State's David Gucciardi, right, celebrates with Tanner Kelly after Kelly's goal against Minnesota during the second period on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Munn Arena in East Lansing.

The Washington Capitals have signed defense prospect David Gucciardi to a two-year entry-level contract, set to begin next season. As per the team’s announcement, the deal comes with an $855,000 cap hit and an $82,500 AHL salary. With his contract in place, Gucciardi will now head to the Hershey Bears in the AHL to finish the season and begin his professional journey.

Gucciardi turns pro after wrapping up a strong collegiate career at Michigan State. His senior season was particularly impressive, as he helped lead the Spartans to their second consecutive Big Ten championship before their campaign ended with a loss to Cornell in the regional semifinals of the national tournament. Over 37 games this season, Gucciardi registered six goals and 10 assists for 16 points while posting an impressive +21 rating, the second-best on his team. His standout performance convinced the Capitals to sign him before his rights expired on August 15.

Lots of business getting DONE on a Monday morning! Senior David Gucciardi inks a two-year ELC with the Washington Capitals!

Proud of you, Gucc!#ForeverSpartans | #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/MumEEZQQgh
— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) March 31, 2025

Selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Gucciardi had previously gone undrafted in 2021 after splitting his season between the Youngstown Phantoms and the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL. Since joining Michigan State, he has built a reputation as a dependable two-way defenseman. While his offensive production declined in his first few NCAA seasons, he broke out in his senior year with career-best numbers. Over four seasons, he accumulated 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 139 games, showing steady development in his overall game.

Also Read: Senators Reassign Angus Crookshank to AHL Belleville

At 6’1” and around 185-200 pounds (depending on the source), Gucciardi has the size and skill set to hold his own at the professional level. However, he isn’t considered a top-tier prospect in Washington’s system. In January, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler didn’t rank him among the team’s top 15 prospects, and Dobber Prospects estimates his chances of making the NHL at around 30%, projecting him as a depth player rather than a high-impact contributor.

That said, Gucciardi brings solid organizational depth and will have the opportunity to refine his game in Hershey, one of the AHL’s best development programs. The Bears have a strong track record of preparing players for the NHL, and if Gucciardi continues to progress, he could eventually earn a look at the top level. For now, he’ll focus on adjusting to the pro game and proving he belongs in Washington’s long-term plans.

Image Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

David Gucciardi

NHL

Washington Capitals

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!