Chesley inked a three-year, entry-level contract with Washington on Friday,

EDGE Analysis

Chesley's contract will begin at the start of the 2025-26 season. The defenseman was selected in the second round, 37th overall, in 2022. He spent three seasons at the University of Minnesota, scoring eight goals and adding 12 assists in 40 NCAA regular-season games in 2024-25. He signed an ATO with AHL Hershey at the conclusion of his college career, scoring once and adding two assists in four contests at the end of the regular season. Chesley will likely start next season at the AHL level in order to gain experience.

The Capitals announced Monday that Chesley will sign an amateur tryout contract with AHL Hershey this week.

EDGE Analysis

Chesley was selected by the Capitals with the 37th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, and he's expected to join Washington on a three-year, entry-level contract at a later date. The 21-year-old made 40 appearances at the University of Minnesota this year and recorded eight goals, 12 assists and 48 PIM.

Chesley was selected 37th overall by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The type of steady defender all NHL clubs are seemingly looking for at the trade deadline each season, Chesley brings a nice mix of speed and physicality to the table. He loves to throw the body around despite having just average size at 6-foot and about 195 pounds. Chesley skates well enough to carry the puck out of trouble in his own zone, although his decision making with the puck and overall offensive game are lacking at times. A projected future third-pairing NHL regular, Chesley should fill a significant role at the University of Minnesota the moment he steps on campus this coming fall.