Cougars standout Funk signs contract with Washington Capitals

WHL leading scorer Zac Funk has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals, the NHL club announced Friday.

The 20-year-old Prince George Cougars star has erupted for a career-best season in the Northern Capital, scoring 56 goals and 43 assists in 58 games.

“I am very grateful and honoured for this opportunity with the Washington Capitals and am looking forward to the next chapter of my hockey career,” Funk said.

NEWS | The Washington Capitals have signed forward Zac Funk to a three-year entry-level contract. Funk's contract will carry an average annual value of $810,000 (NHL) and $82,500 in the AHL.#ALLCAPS

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 1, 2024

Funk has recorded an astonishing eight hat tricks in his final year of Major Junior hockey, while leading the league in goals, powerplay goals (25) and plus-minus (+44)

The Vernon, B.C. product was selected by the Calgary Hitmen with the 43rd pick in the second round of the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft.

He suited for 129 games with the Hitmen over parts of five seasons before being traded to Prince George in the 2021-22 season.

The 6-foot, 200-pound winger has amassed 108 goals and 95 assists for 203 points in 218 WHL games.

Funk and the B.C. Division-leading Cougars (40-15-0-3) host the Spokane Chiefs on Friday at 7:00 p.m. PST.