Cristall was reassigned from WHL Spokane to AHL Hershey, the Capitals announced Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Cristall will link up with the Bears, who are on the brink of elimination against Charlotte ahead of Game 3 of the Atlantic Division Finals in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs. The 20-year-old Cristall spearheaded the WHL in regular-season scoring with 48 goals and 132 points across 57 appearances. He also led the WHL playoffs with 21 markers and ranked second in points (41). The 2023 second-round selection could compete for a spot on Washington's roster next season, and he should gain valuable experience if he draws into the postseason lineup with Hershey.

Cristall is leading the WHL in scoring with 35 goals and 60 assists over 40 games between Kelowna and Spokane in 2024-25.

EDGE Analysis

Cristall was traded from the Rockets to the Chiefs on Jan. 8. Since then, the British Columbia native has registered nine goals and 35 points in just 12 games with his new club. That includes three performances of at least five points and eight multi-point efforts altogether. Cristall could prove to be a steal for the Capitals -- the 20-year-old was selected in the second round, 40th overall, in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The left-shot winger, along with Ryan Leonard and Ivan Miroshnichenko, should help balance out Washington's veteran-laden forward group in the coming seasons.

Cristall was returned to WHL Kelowna on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Cristall amassed 40 goals and 111 points in 62 WHL games during the 2023-24 regular season. He added four tallies and 11 assists in 11 playoff contests with the Rockets. Cristall was impressive for Washington during training camp, producing two goals and one assist in four exhibition outings. He could challenge for a roster spot with the big club in 2025-26.

Cristall was reassigned to WHL Kelowna on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Cristall registered an assist during Washington's 4-3 win over the Red Wings on Thursday -- his preseason debut with the Capitals. The 18-year-old winger possesses incredible skills with the puck and will spend the balance of the 2023-24 campaign honing his skills in the major junior ranks and preparing for another shot to make the Capitals during the next training camp.

Cristall agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with Washington on Thursday, according to Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Cristall had 39 goals and 95 points in 54 WHL games with Kelowna in 2022-23. The Capitals took him with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. While Cristall has plenty of offensive upside, he'll need more time to develop before he'll have a real shot of cracking Washington's roster.