Cristall signs deal with NHL team

Andrew Cristall has his first pro hockey deal.

The Washington Capitals signed the Kelowna Rockets forward to a three-year entry level contract.

The deal will pay Cristall an $810,000 a year at the NHL level and $82,500 in the AHL.

The Capitals selected Cristall, an 18-year-old Vancouver native, in the second round (40th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

The 5’10”, 175-pound forward lead the Rockets in goals (39), assists (56) and points (95) last season the Western Hockey League.

Cristall’s 1.76 points-per-game rate ranked fourth in the WHL, while his 95 points was tied for sixth.

The Burnaby Winter Club grad was named Kelowna’s team MVP and was selected to the WHL B.C. Division First All-Star Team.