McFadden signs with USHL's Steel

Saint John Sea Dogs prospect Brian McFadden has signed a standard player development agreement with the USHL's Chicago Steel, the team announced Friday.

The 18-year-old defenseman was recently selected in the fifth-round of this year's NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals.

Listed at 6'5" and 183 lbs, McFadden just completed his second and final season with Thayer Academy. In 29 games with the US prep school last season, McFadden, the team's captain, recorded two goals and 15 assists.

Signed on the dotted line 🖊️

Washington Capitals draft pick Brian McFadden has signed his USHL SPDA for the 2026-27 season 🤝 #ChicagoHockey #USHL pic.twitter.com/25XP8fmLeJ

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) July 10, 2026

McFadden was a seventh-round pick of Saint John in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. He appeared in one pre-season game with the Sea Dogs last year before being amongst the second round of cuts from the team's training camp roster.

“It was an unreal feeling. We’re just so thankful that we can all be here.”

Brian McFadden on his reaction to being drafted by the Capitals and describes his style of play as a 6-foot-5 defenseman.#CapsDevCamp pic.twitter.com/iA8vsMFrXT

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 30, 2026

While it seems unlikely that McFadden will join the Sea Dogs this season, there is still a chance he could play for the team down the road – and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the USHL from prep school hockey. He is committed to Northeastern University.