Capitals Make Depth Signings, Ink Belpedio, Rosén & Clarke
The Washington Capitals have made some moves to bolster their depth.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have made some moves to bolster their depth, inking defenseman Louie Belpedio to a two-year, two-way contract and defenseman Calle Rosén and forward Graeme Clarke to one-year, two-way contracts.
Belpedio is coming off a strong season with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he picked up five goals and 23 assists for 28 points in 66 games. He led all Phantoms defensemen in assists and power-play goals, but beyond that, he’s known for his grit, toughness, leadership and physicality, two attributes the team needs with Dylan McIlrath up with Washington full-time.
The 29-year-old is also expected to help fill the voids left by Ethan Bear, who signed with the New York Islanders, and Chase Priskie, who was part of the trade for defenseman Declan Chisholm.
Rosén is another depth defenseman who has AHL and NHL experience and can play a pivotal role on the blue line. The 31-year-old, who has played in 93 NHL games, had career-high 10 goals and 24 assists in 62 games with the Colorado Eagles this past season.
Finally, Clarke, 24, is a winger and right-hand shot who adds needed scoring depth with Pierrick Dubé moving on and other prospects anticipated to try and make the NHL jump this coming season. Clarke had 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points in 64 games with the Iowa Wild this past season.
With these signings, Washington ensures some more organizational depth.