Capitals sign forward prospect to entry-level contract

A strong training camp by forward Eriks Mateiko has earned him an entry-level contract as announced by the Washington Capitals. The deal will carry an $889K cap over the three-year term, a signing bonus of $97.5K each year, a games played bonus of $102.5K in the first year, and a $77.5K bonus in years two and three.

Mateiko was drafted in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft, going to the Capitals with the 90th overall selection. He’s spent the last two years with the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs and will suit up for them again in the 2024-25 season.

He’s a big forward standing at 6-foot-5 and carries all the usual tools of a power forward. He’s known for causing a lot of traffic in front of the net for the Sea Dogs and is coming off a season in which he scored 23 goals and 43 points in 49 games.

The Jelgava, Latvia, native also suited up for his home country in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championships, when he scored one goal over five tournament contests. He should still be a few years away from being a regular forward at the NHL level but Washington was impressed enough this preseason to make him a part of their future.