Like NCAA free agents, CHL free agents usually don’t amount to much. Few exceed the 10-game mark, let alone become impactful NHLers.

It makes sense. In most situations, these are players passed over in the draft thrice or unsigned after being a late-round pick.

But usually implies there are exceptions; players who exceed the expectation.

The newest addition to the Capitals prospect pool, Henrik Rybinski, could be one.

First, let’s discuss what the typical high-scoring CHL over-ager looks like. For the most part, their games are based around one play, like taking one-timers from the top of the circle or out-racing defenders along the perimeter to set up teammates. Their maturity, experience, and top-line roles allow them to make it work at this level, but without top power play time or the skating to burn defenders wide, their games fall apart in the professional ranks. 

In short, the process for most over-agers to score more in the CHL leads to a decrease in the projectability of their game.

Rybinski hasn’t suffered the same fate. His game became more nuanced and diversified, adding details that enhance projectability.