The Hershey Bears have added a seasoned defensive presence to their roster, signing Jacob MacDonald to a one‑year, two‑way contract as they look to rebound from a fifth‑place finish in the Atlantic Division and chase the Calder Cup once again.
MacDonald Brings a Decade of Elite Play
At 33, MacDonald arrives with a track record that includes a 31‑goal, 55‑point season that earned him the Eddie Shore Award in 2024‑25, as well as four 40‑point campaigns in nine professional years. His offensive instincts and defensive reliability have made him one of the league’s most versatile blue‑liners, capable of driving play and shutting down opponents.
The move also restores a connection to the Washington Capitals, for whom MacDonald has previously skated. While he missed much of the previous season due to hip surgery, limited action still showed flashes of his former form, and the Bears are betting that a full recovery will return him to his elite level.
Roster Outlook and Future Moves
Hershey’s front office acknowledges that the signing is only one piece of a larger puzzle. The club still seeks a top‑six center and possibly a winger to complement its forward group. At the same time, standout players Andrew Cristall and Ilya Protas are expected to test the NHL market, which could reshape the lineup further.
General manager Dave Fenyves and assistant GM Jesse Leibman have framed the MacDonald acquisition as the first of several offseason maneuvers designed to rebuild a defense that was a weak link in the Bears’ recent back‑to‑back Calder Cup runs. The organization hopes the veteran’s experience and award‑winning pedigree will help restore the defensive stability that eluded them last season.
With the new contract in place, the Bears aim to turn the tide and once again position themselves as serious contenders for the league’s premier AHL trophy. The signing marks a pivotal moment in the team’s rebuilding strategy and sets the tone for a roster that is eager to capitalize on its historic brand of star‑driven success.