Maximilian Kammerer was signed by Washington in May, but will he skate for the Bears? Photo via NHL.com.
Along with fellow prospect Jusso Ikonen, Maximilian Kammerer was signed to an entry level deal with the Washington Capitals and participated in their Development Camp this summer. The 6’1, 185 pound forward played for Dusseldorfer in the DEL for three seasons and even had a tour of duty with the Regina Pats of the WHL at one point back in the 2013-14 season as well as representing Germany in the World Juniors.The 21 year-old has had an interesting career overseas, highlighted by one 40 game season with the Pats where he put up three points (one goal, two assists). He was never drafted, never suited up beyond juniors in North America, and seems to be an anomaly amongst the group of Hershey forwards. Not to mention he has a European Assignment Clause attached to his deal (similar to when the Caps signed Axel Jonsson-Fjalby back in May) which means he could simply return to the DEL if he doesn’t want to play in the minors, although that seems unlikely.
It’s hard to find video evidence to see what Kammerer brings to the table at the DEL level, as video coverage is spotty. However, Kammerer has put up at least 25 points in his last two seasons in Germany, over the course of about 50 games. Every player adjusts differently to the North American style of play, so Kammerer will have to do his best to impress Hershey’s new coaches in training camp and continue to excel throughout the season to stay on the Bears’ roster this season. Despite being undrafted at the NHL level, he is still a very young player who can learn and develop further, perhaps becoming a regular on the penalty kill and shifty enough to become a power play specialist.
The good news is that while his numbers in the DEL don’t shock and amaze as some of the other youngsters coming into Hershey this year, they stand out when comparing them to the rest of his team and the league. As a 21 year-old, he put up 31 points in 52 games played, good for second overall on his team. This was in a season where his club finished outside the playoff bubble at 11th out of 14 teams, which indicates that the young forward was excellent despite his circumstances. Provided his skills translate, the Bears could have a serviceable forward the team could get some production from.
As it stands, we simply don’t know too much about Kammerer to provide a comprehensive look at what he brings to the table. With Hershey’s forward group filling up quickly as the team brings in more veteran players, Kammerer will have to prove himself in training camp and the preseason similar to other forwards who did stick with the Bears in camp like Jeremy Langlois did this past season. Kammerer could end up competing for a bottom-six role with forwards Hampus Gustafsson and Mason Mitchell, who each spent time in South Carolina last season. He will likely surprise in his role and chip in with points, perhaps even appearing on the penalty kill unit depending on how the coaching staff utilizes him.
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