The Washington Capitals announced that they have signed forward Brandon Duhaime as an unrestricted free agency. Duhaime is a hard-nosed fourth-line winger who isn’t afraid to drop the gloves. With a physical presence and a good piece for the penalty kill, Duhaime brings a grinding style along with a fun personality off of the ice.
Originally from Florida, Duhaime started skating early because his father was a former professional hockey player at the AHL and ECHL levels. Duhaime was drafted by the Minnesota Wild at 106th overall during the 2015 NHL Draft, Duhaime spent three years playing for Providence College before joining Minnesota’s farm system.
Playing for two seasons with the AHL Iowa Wild team, one being the shortened Covid year, Duhaime made the opening night roster out of training camp for the 2021-22 season. Duhaime has struggled with injuries throughout his NHL career, playing only 51 games in the 2022-23 season due to multiple concussions. After that season, Duhaime has been more selective in who he fights on the ice.
After three seasons as a fan favorite in Minnesota, the hard-working forward was traded to the Colorado Avalanche at the 2024 Trade Deadline. He played 18 regular season games with the Avalanche with 1 goal, 4 assists, and 4 penalty minutes. He also played 11 playoff games in Colorado with 1 goal, 0 assists, and 8 penalty minutes.
Duhaime’s contract with Washington is a two-year, $3.7 million contract with a yearly cap hit of $1.85 million. He will again be an unrestricted free agent when this contract ends after the 2025-26 season.
