The Washington Capitals signed top defensive prospect Cole Hutson to a three-year entry-level contract Sunday. The 19-year-old's deal carries an average annual value of $975,000, the maximum allowed for rookie contracts. Hutson's sophomore season at Boston University ended Saturday with a loss to UConn in the Hockey East tournament quarterfinals.

Hutson will burn the first year of his contract during the Capitals' remaining 14 games as Washington pushes for a playoff spot. The team entered Sunday six points out of the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. Hutson, who led the Terriers with 32 points in 35 games along with game-winning and overtime goals, was Washington's second-round pick in the 2024 NHL draft.

Capitals general manager Chris Patrick told ESPN Saturday that he believes Hutson "has the ability to turn some heads this season." The signing comes after Washington's shocking trade deadline move, sending franchise icon John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks after 17 years with the organization. The Capitals have missed the playoffs just twice since 2008 and await a decision on Alex Ovechkin's future after the season.