Capitals place Hardy Haman Aktell on unconditional waivers

The Washington Capitals have placed defenseman Hardy Haman Aktell on unconditional waivers for the purposes of terminating his contract, reports Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.

Through 27 games this season with the Hershey Bears, the Capitals’ top minor-league affiliate, Haman Aktell has recorded nine points – all coming as assists – with 18 penalty minutes and a plus-three rating.

Last season, in his first season in North America, Haman Aktell posted 11 points counting two goals and nine assists through 55 regular season appearances with the Bears before adding five goals and four assists for nine points through 17 postseason outings to help Hershey capture its 13th Calder Cup title as AHL champions.

Last season also saw Haman Aktell make six showings with the Capitals, a stretch in which he finished with one assist, two penalty minutes, and a minus-two mark. Haman Aktell rejoined the Bears this season after clearing waivers in late September.

Per PuckPedia, Haman Aktell was on a one-year, two-way contract that carried a $775,000 annual average value and could have became a restricted free agent in July.

Originally chosen in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators, Haman Aktell joined the Capitals in 2023 as an unsigned draftee. Prior to joining the Capitals, the 26-year-old blue-liner played three seasons with Vaxjo HC of his native Sweden where through 151 total appearances he recorded 17 goals and 46 assists for 63 points and twice helped the first-league club capture supremacy.

For the Capitals, the club sits 34-11-6 on the season and one point shy of the Winnipeg Jets for top spot in the NHL standings. Following Thursday’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, the Capitals will look to return to the win column Saturday when the club hosts the Jets at Capital One Arena.