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Capitals Re-sign Depth Players Paul Carey and Aaron Ness

By Ian Oland

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June 24, 2016 8:47 pm

Paul Carey and Aaron Ness

Photo: Capitals

Earlier in the evening, the Washington Capitals announced the re-signing of two players that spent most of the year in AHL Hershey: Paul Carey and Aaron Ness. Both players saw time in Washington and both players played well during their short stints in the NHL.

Carey even scored his first NHL goal February 6 against the Devils.

More from the Caps:

The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Paul Carey to a one-year, two-way contract and defenseman Aaron Ness to a two-year, two-way contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.

Carey, 27, scored one goal in four games with the Capitals last season. The 6’1”, 200-pound forward scored the game-tying goal in the third period on Feb. 6 at New Jersey, marking his first NHL goal. Carey was selected by Colorado in the fifth round, 135th overall, in the 2007 NHL Draft and has registered two points (one goal, one assist) in 26 career NHL games with Colorado and Washington.

Carey earned 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 44 games with the Hershey Bears (AHL) in 2015-16. He recorded five multi-point games last season, including a three-assist performance at Binghamton on Jan. 22. In addition, Carey scored each of Hershey’s goals in a 2-1 victory against Providence on March 11, including the game-winning goal in overtime. He has earned 127 points (55 goals, 72 assists) in 232 career AHL games with Lake Erie, Providence and Hershey.

The Boston native registered 86 points (45 goals, 41 assists) in 147 games over four seasons at Boston College (2008-12). Carey won two national championships with the Eagles (2010, 2012) and was named to the 2012 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team after scoring three goals in the Frozen Four, including the game-winner in the national title game against Ferris State on April 7 in Tampa, Fla.

Ness, 26, recorded two assists in eight games with Washington in 2015-16. The 5’10”, 183-pound defenseman made his Capitals debut on Jan. 2 at Columbus and earned his first Capitals point with an assist on Jan. 5 at Boston. Ness has registered five points (one goal, four assists) in 37 career NHL games with the NY Islanders and Washington.

Ness earned 27 points (six goals, 21 assists) in 62 games with the Hershey Bears (AHL) last season. The Roseau, Minn., native ranked second among Bears defensemen in points and assists, tied for second in goals, third in plus/minus (+12) and tied for third in games played. Ness recorded five multi-point games in 2015-16, including a three-point performance (one goal, two assists) on April 8 against Bridgeport. In addition, he posted an even or better plus/minus in 45 of his 62 games played last season. Ness has registered 150 points (29 goals, 121 assists) in 342 career AHL games with Bridgeport and Hershey.

Ness earned 12 assists in 21 playoff games last season to help the Bears reach the 2016 Calder Cup Finals. He led the AHL in assists during the playoffs and ranked third among AHL defensemen in points. Ness has earned 12 assists in 24 career AHL playoff games.

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