Haakon Hanelt Knows This Is His Last Chance With The Capitals Organization. He’s Ready To Lay It All On The Line
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals prospect Haakon Hanelt is no stranger to adversity.
The only difference now, though, is that that adversity has the potential to make or break his shot at an NHL career as he remains unsigned entering his final year of eligibility with the Capitals organization.
It’s a difficult feat, to earn an NHL contract and rise to the occasion, especially for a 2021 fifth-round pick who’s battled numerous injuries. But Hanelt’s ready — not just ready, eager — for the challenge.
“I’m ready to give it all at the camp and show them that I want to earn my contract,” Hanelt said bluntly, adding, “It was always my dream to play in the NHL, and it still is.”
Hanelt’s not your typical hockey prospect.
The German center is comfortable playing pretty much anywhere in the lineup and takes pride in his stickhandling and skating ability. Off the ice, he’s still a kid at heart, affectionately known as “Hank” in the locker room and famous for his round gold-rimmed eyeglasses (he doesn’t like contacts and doesn’t wear them when he skates).
At just 21 years old, he’s already been through pretty much everything, from getting a taste of junior hockey in North America to going back overseas to play against grown men to injuries and subsequent surgeries.
