It was a wild July 1 for the Washington Capitals, with five signings coming in that day, including three players who could all end up in Chocolatetown (who I talk about here) The next three days then brought about relative calm. No two-way contracts or AHL contracts were announced through the next three days.

That changed this afternoon however, as Washington announced that LHD Jacob MacDonald was signed to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. MacDonald fills the last real hole that existed for Hershey, as there was a gap on the left side of the defense, with Aaron Ness’s retirement and Corey Schueneman signing with the Anaheim Ducks. MacDonald will fill that role and also will likely be Hershey’s power play quarterback.

MacDonald has spent the majority of his career with the Colorado Avalanche organization, spending just over five and a half seasons split between the Avalanche and their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. He also holds the record for most goals scored by a defenseman in an AHL regular season, scoring 31 in the 2024-25 campaign, where he was also recognized as the AHL’s defenseman of the season that year. The veteran adds a crucial offensive element to the Bears defense corps and another veteran presence to a group that lost some leadership this offseason.

Additions and Subtractions

With MacDonald now under contract, here’s where the Bears stand in terms of additions and subtractions for the upcoming season:

Additions:

• LW/C Josh Dunne: Signed to a one-year, one-way contract by the Washington Capitals on July 1.
• C/W Jonny Brodzinski (Veteran): Signed to a one-year, one-way contract by the Washington Capitals on July 1.
• RHD Justin Holl (Veteran): Signed to a one-year, one-way contract by the Washington Capitals on July 1.
• LHD Jacob MacDonald (Veteran): Signed to a one-year, two-way contract by the Washington Capitals on July 5.

Subtractions:

• LHD Aaron Ness (Veteran): Announced retirement from professional hockey.
• LHD Corey Schueneman (Veteran): Signed two-year, two-way contract with the Anaheim Ducks organization.
• C/LW Wyatt Bongiovanni: Signed one-year AHL contract with the Providence Bruins.
• RW Brett Leason (Veteran): Signed one-year, two-way contract with the San Jose Sharks organization.
• LW Sonny Milano (Veteran): Signed one-year contract with SC Bern in Switzerland.
• C Henrik Rybinski: Signed two-year contract (first year two-way, second year one-way) with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

Status Up In The Air:

• C Ryan Hofer: Not given a qualifying offer, currently a UFA.
• RW/C Matt Strome (Veteran): Currently a UFA.
• RHD Reilly Webb: Currently a UFA.
• G Garin Bjorklund: Not given a qualifying offer, currently a UFA.
• G Jesper Vikman: Not given a qualifying offer, currently a UFA.

Projecting a Lineup

There are sure to be a few contracts to come on the AHL side, especially as it pertains to depth at goalie, but it seems like Hershey has much of their roster set for the upcoming season with very few spaces up for grabs in Washington, a big difference compared to last season.

There are still three players, who, in my opinion, are on the bubble right now. That being Ivan Miroshnichenko, Jonny Brodzinski and Justin Holl. While Josh Dunne also got a one-way contract, with Alex Ovechkin officially back in the fold, unless any moves are made regarding a winger from the Capitals, there’s not really a spot for Dunne unless he really makes an impact at camp. Holl, if he does make Washington’s opening night roster, is also unlikely to stay up for the whole season unless an injury crisis hits the Capitals. If Holl does make it, I’d expect him to be sent down when Rasmus Sandin returns from a torn ACL, which is expected sometime in December.

As it stands though, here is my projected lineup for your 2026-27 Hershey Bears:

Andrew Cristall-Jonny Brodzinski (V)-Bogdan Trineyev Josh Dunne-Theodor Neiderbach-Terik Parascak Lyndon Lakovic-Petr Sikora-Spencer Smallman (V) Sam Bitten-Grant Cruikshank-Eriks Mateiko

Jacob MacDonald (V)-Ryan Chesley Leon Muggli-Louie Belpedio (V) David Gucciardi-Justin Holl (V)

Clay Stevenson Mitch Gibson

Extras: Dalton Smith (V), Alex Suzdalev, Cam Allen, Jaylen Luypen, Jon McDonald.

Note: Players noted with a (V) means that player is considered a veteran for the 2026-27 season.