The Capitals announced on Wednesday that they have acquired depth defenseman Tom Gilbert from the LA Kings for “future considerations.” Gilbert will report to the Hershey Bears. Sportsnet’s John Shannon was the first to report the news.
Caps reporter Mike Vogel reported that the future considerations include a Caps’ fifth-round pick if they get through two rounds of the playoffs and Gilbert plays in at least half the games. The Kings will retain 20 percent of Gilbert’s salary.
1) #Caps have obtained D Tom Gilbert from LA for future considerations. Considerations are as follows: Kings retain 20% of Gilbert's salary.
— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) February 15, 2017
2) If #Caps win two or more playoff rounds during the '17 playoffs and Gilbert plays in 50% or more of Caps' total playoff games …
— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) February 15, 2017
3) then #Caps will send 5th round pick in 2017 entry draft to LA. If this condition is not met, Caps won't transfer anything to Kings.
— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) February 15, 2017
The 34-year-old Gilbert has played 655 NHL games for the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens and LA Kings. Here’s an overview of the organization’s newest defenseman.
On paper, Gilbert is not an impact player at the NHL level. The usage chart above has him pegged as a 6th or 7th defenseman, at most. This move is likely geared towards helping the Hershey Bears. Gilbert is a right-handed defenseman, which means he can be useful in adding some organizational depth with Madison Bowey still out due to injury.
Tom Gilbert will wear number 6 with Washington. #Caps #RockTheRed
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 15, 2017
New defender Tom Gilbert will wear #77 with Hershey. He is expected to join the team in Providence ahead of Friday's game. #HBH
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) February 15, 2017
More from the Capitals:
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have acquired defenseman Tom Gilbert from the Los Angeles Kings for future considerations, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. Gilbert will report to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League.
Gilbert, 34, registered five points (one goal, four assists) in 18 games with the Kings this season. In addition, Gilbert collected an assist in five games with the Ontario Reign of the AHL.
Originally a fourth-round selection (129th overall) by Colorado at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Gilbert has played 11 seasons in the NHL with Montreal, Florida, Minnesota, Edmonton and Los Angeles. In 655 career regular season games he has 223 points (45 goals, 178 assists) and 198 penalty minutes. Fourteen of his 45 career regular season goals have been scored on the power-play. In 17 career Stanley Cup playoff games, Gilbert has five points (two goals, three assists) and 16 penalty minutes.
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