Capitals sign Jacob MacDonald to one-year contract

It’s a similar contract to the one MacDonald recently had. The 33-year-old came to the end of a two-year, two-way contract that he signed with the Colorado Avalanche in July 2024. That deal had the NHL minimum wage at the time for an AAV ($775,000), and an American Hockey League cap hit of $525,000.

MacDonald spent both of his seasons in Colorado as a member of the franchise’s primary affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. He had one of the best seasons of his pro career in 2024-25, scoring a career-high 31 goals, matching his career-best 55 points. This past year, he underwent hip surgery in the preseason, which kept him out of action until February. He was a solid producer in his return, posting 12 points in 17 games. MacDonald added two points in the Calder Cup Playoffs, as the Eagles made it to the Western Conference Final.

It was MacDonald’s second stint with the franchise, as the Portland, Ore. native was with the Avalanche organization from 2019 to partway through the 2022-23 campaign.

It’s been a couple of years since MacDonald was seen in the NHL, as he last appeared in the league as a member of the San Jose Sharks during the 2023-24 campaign. In 135 regular-season games in the league, he has scored 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points.

In 357 regular-season contests in the AHL, he has notched 103 goals and 157 assists for 260 points, with another 11 points in 35 postseason games.