Caps Sign Jake Hauswirth

by Stephen Pepper on May 26, 2009 2:21 PM EDT

Per the team: "The Washington Capitals have signed undrafted free agent center Jake Hauswirth to a three-year entry-level contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hauswirth, 21, is a 6’5”, 210-pound native of Merrill, Wis., who has spent the last two seasons with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). He scored 28 goals and added 24 assists (52 points) in 58 games this season, tied for the team lead in goals and fourth in points. He led all Lancer forwards and was second on the team with a +16 plus/minus rating.

Hauswirth helped lead Omaha to the USHL championship as a rookie in 2007-08, recording 13 goals and 10 assists (23 points) in 57 games.

Hauswirth participated in the Capitals’ development camp last summer and will be in attendance at this summer."

Jake opened many eyes at last July's development camp. Tarik took an informal poll of coaches and media in attendance (yours truly included in the mix), and Hauswirth was deemed one of the "three stars" of that camp.

Andrew Gordon had this to say about Hauswirth last July at camp:

I really liked playing with Jake [who scored the shootout winner in the final scrimmage]. He’s a big body, makes simple plays, dumps the puck in, works hard in the corners.

Jake had signed a letter of intent to play at Michigan Tech in 2009-10, but bigger things now lie ahead for the young forward.

Tweet Comment 33 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

No surprise. Hauswirth was what rookie camp is all about. I hope they introduce him to Jay Beagle — those two should have a lot to talk about.

by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2009 2:23 PM EDT reply actions

Did anyone here see him play and can give a quick scouting report?

by DrinkingPartner on May 26, 2009 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

I only saw him at last July’s dev camp, but then I thought that he out-hustled most of the guys in attendance, and had a hard and very accurate shot that really stood out — he picked corners of the net consistently in drills, and scored at least a goal in each scrimmage at camp.

by Stephen Pepper on May 26, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I wonder if that will translate to Hershey…

Also, he signed a letter of intent to play for Michigan State? He’s 21? how does that work?

by DrinkingPartner on May 26, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Just for the record, Michigan Tech is NOT Michigan State. [Although I’ve got a rooting interest in Michigan State for the next few years.]

by gfcaps fan on May 26, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Having visited East Lansing more than once for Fraternity reasons, I almost wish I had gone to Michigan State. It’s one Hell of a feeling.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on May 26, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, he signed a letter of intent to play for Michigan State? He’s 21? how does that work?

DP, a lot of high profile D1 hockey players are admitted at an older age than the average 18 year old freshman that goes to college after graduating high school. Take this year’s Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy, who’s going to turn 25 years old this summer, for example.

I don’t know if it has to do with hockey players trying to find other avenues to the NHL than the NCAA system, but it always seems like a lot of players at the big-time hockey programs are usually 22-24 years old.

I’m no NCAA rules guru (who is?) but I believe age restrictions aren’t that prevalent. Remember the story of the 50-something-year-old linebacker at a small college from last fall? I believe as long as they’re a student and meet the non-professional requirements that for the most part they’re eligible. If someone knows better, please feel free to amend/correct this.

by Hooks Orpik on May 26, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m no NCAA rules guru (who is?)

Most creative Miles Brand joke gets a brew on tap.

by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t know if it has to do with hockey players trying to find other avenues to the NHL than the NCAA system, but it always seems like a lot of players at the big-time hockey programs are usually 22-24 years old.

It mostly has to do with guys using up their junior eligibility before they enter college so they’re bigger, faster, and more experience when they get to that level.

by David Getz on May 26, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s also partially to do with the realization that they’re not going to “make it” out of junior, and it’s time to get a BA. Most junior guys will manage to acquire an associates during their spare time, so they play a couple of years and bail.

by D'ohboy on May 26, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Or, if they want to actually find a job that pays enough to make a living, a BS.

by Cluster on May 27, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Or just play JRs as long as they can working on a NCAA scholarship.

by Rob Parker on May 26, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions

A letter of intent just means that the player can’t go to another college. It doesn’t preclude that player from turning pro (in fact, if Jake went to MTU, he wouldn’t be allowed to play, having just signed a pro contract).

My best guess is that this was his last year of USHL eligibility. (And he certainly made the most of it.)

Seems like the decision to delay going to college was, like Hooks alludes to, intended to increase his exposure as a hockey player and get in a lot more games.

by Stephen Pepper on May 26, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Stats:

Regular Season Playoffs
Year Team League GP W L Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2006-07 MarquetteNAHL 55 21 19 40 74 – – – – -
2007-08 Omaha USHL 57 13 10 23 36 13 2 4 6 10
2008-09 Omaha USHL 58 28 24 52 22 3 1 0 1 0

Pretty significant improvement.

by Stephen Pepper on May 26, 2009 2:33 PM EDT reply actions

Is it just me or does he resemble Jordan Staal both in size and appearance?

by b.orr4 on May 26, 2009 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

From that picture, he looks more like Anze Kopitar to me, both with the jersey colors and the expression he’s making.

by DrinkingPartner on May 26, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Is it just me or does he resemble Jordan Staal both in size and appearance?

I can see that.

And from the “Just how young Jordan Staal is” file: J. Staal is 7 months younger than Hauswirth and already has 286 NHL regular season + playoff games under his belt.

by Hooks Orpik on May 26, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

His size and place of birth immediately made me think Dave Steckel, but potayto, potahto.

by D'ohboy on May 26, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r96zZdOv5s

Well that was anti-climactic…

by Mobsky on May 26, 2009 3:18 PM EDT reply actions

Great testament to the Caps organization that he signed with Washington.
He impressed at camp last year and was free to sign anywhere.
Certainly still a long shot for the NHL, but well worth one of the 50 roster slots.

by Stormblue on May 26, 2009 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

Love how Varlamov didn’t get Top 3 stars in that Tarik article……..

So is Hauswirth expected to be the 2nd line center after Feds leave?

by RedskinFan4Life on May 26, 2009 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

So is Hauswirth expected to be the 2nd line center after Feds leave?

The summer is the time to dream big. But not quite that big.

by Stephen Pepper on May 26, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

meaning not this year but in a couple of years?

by RedskinFan4Life on May 26, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

When you’re talking a 21 year old with no major junior or D-I experience you’re happy if he every becomes an NHL regular. Expecting him to be ready for the second line, especially in a short period of time, is very, very optimistic.

by David Getz on May 26, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

In all likelihood, this guy will be lucky to stick in the AHL. We’ve got a TON of grinder-type centers down there. Unless he suddenly displays some previously unseen skill, he’s an Andrew Gordon/Joudrey/whomever clone.

by D'ohboy on May 26, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Gordon is viewed as an NHL prospect.

by David Getz on May 27, 2009 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions

He’s got some time in Hershey coming that will surely tell.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on May 26, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Anton Gustaffson I think.

by red army line on May 26, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

This looks to be a very good org. depth signing. We aren’t so little at C in Hershey any more.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on May 26, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

In his blog on the Hauswirth subject, Corey Masisak (link) made reference to the number of players the Caps have already inked for next season and that a “major” overhaul may take place:

Hauswirth is the eighth new contract that will kick in next season for the Caps, joining forwards Anton Gustafsson, Stefan Della Rovere and Trevor Bruess, defensemen John Carlson, Joe Finley and Zach Miskovic and goalie Braden Holtby. The Caps also have to make a decision this summer on 2007 picks Brent Leffler and Justin Taylor, and 2008 pick Dmitry Kugryshev could also warrant a contract if the organization decides another year in the QMJHL isn’t going to help him.

Teams are allowed to have 50 players under contract, and Washington had 50 this season, so that means at least eight guys aren’t coming back.The Caps do have 23 free agents among the 50 with 2009 deals, so there could be a pretty large roster overhaul for the Hershey Bears once this run is complete.

Is there a roster breakdown of all upcoming 23 UFAs for the Caps? One that includes Hershey and SC players, not just NHL?

by ThreePingPost on May 26, 2009 4:39 PM EDT reply actions

Check here, 3PP (by my count, it’s 24 free agents including the trio rumored to be headed to the K).

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on May 26, 2009 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Sweetness. Thanks JP, not sure how I missed that when I was browsing the ’Rink.

by ThreePingPost on May 27, 2009 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions

No worries – I always like an excuse to remind everyone about those links anyway.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on May 27, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

Southeast Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Washington Japers' Rink	53	28	21	4	60
Florida Litter Box Cats	52	24	17	11	59
Winnipeg Arctic Ice Hockey	55	25	24	6	56
Tampa Bay Raw Charge	52	23	24	5	51
Carolina Canes Country	55	20	25	10	50