The Washington Capitals have signed forward Patrick Thomas to a three-year entry-level contract beginning in the 2025–26 NHL season, the team announced Thursday. The deal, confirmed by senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick, carries an average annual value of $878,333 at the NHL level and $82,500 in the AHL.
The Capitals selected Thomas, 20, in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft following his continued ascent through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Brantford Bulldogs. This season, Thomas delivered a standout performance with 104 points (27 goals, 77 assists) in 66 games, setting a new franchise record for assists in a single season and becoming only the fourth Bulldog to surpass the 100-point mark. He served as team captain and helped lead Brantford to an East Division title and the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Brantford Bulldogs released a statement congratulating their captain and franchise all-time leading scorer:
“Patrick Thomas has been everything we could have asked for in a Bulldog,” said Bulldogs General Manager Matt Turek. “Patty’s skill on the ice is only topped by his incredible character. A leader on and off the ice, it’s been a pleasure to watch Patty grow up as a Bulldog and the organization couldn’t be prouder to see him earn his NHL contract with a great organization in Washington. Congratulations Patty!”
Originally from Oakville, Ontario, Thomas joined the Bulldogs organization after a dominant 2019–20 season with the Hamilton Huskies U16 AAA program, where he tallied 149 points over 107 games. The Bulldogs made him their third-round pick (57th overall) in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection Draft.
Thomas’ rise from rookie to franchise cornerstone is well-documented. He made the 2021–22 Bulldogs roster following an injury to Ryan Winterton and quickly climbed from the fourth line to join top talents Mason McTavish and Winterton upon their return. That season ended with an OHL Championship and saw Thomas post 27 points in 64 games, plus eight assists in 19 playoff appearances.
His production soared in 2022–23, with Thomas finishing the season at 56 points (17g, 39a) in 66 games. His instant chemistry with linemate Nick Lardis became a key storyline, a partnership that continued to flourish the following season when Thomas added 66 points in 57 games and another seven in the playoffs.
Named captain in October 2024, Thomas embraced Brantford after the Bulldogs’ relocation and became a central figure in the community. His leadership and elite playmaking culminated in a record-setting season alongside Lardis, marking the first time in franchise history that two teammates reached the 100-point mark in the same campaign.
Over 253 career OHL games—all with the Bulldogs—Thomas tallied exactly 253 points (71 goals, 182 assists), making him the franchise’s all-time leader in both assists and points.
Now, the Washington Capitals look forward to welcoming a player known not only for his on-ice vision and consistency but also for his leadership and commitment to growth. Thomas is expected to join the Capitals’ AHL affiliate in Hershey next season as he begins the next chapter of his hockey journey.
