Capitals Acquire Tom Gilbert from Los Angeles

Tom Gilbert, Juan Ocampo/National Hockey League/Getty Images

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.

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

Many had surmised the Capitals were looking to add a left-handed defenseman, for depth in the playoffs, however, MacLellan decided to go with a right-hander in the end.

Gilbert cleared waivers on February 2nd, and was assigned to Ontario (AHL). Gilbert, 34, had 1 goal, 4 assists in 18 games with LA this season. Gilbert had 1 assist in 5 games with Ontario (AHL). This is a much-needed addition for a Hershey blue line that has been hurting since Bowey’s injury.

The Capitals didn’t really have any defensmen in their system with significant NHL experience. Gilbert gives them that insurance beyond their top 7.

Basically, Gilbert costs Capitals nothing in the trade if he doesn’t play in half their playoff games and they don’t make it to at least ECF

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) February 15, 2017

For Kings, they clear all but 20% of what’s left of Gilbert’s $1.4 million salary off their books and maybe get a 5th round pick

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) February 15, 2017

Gilbert will wear #6 for the Capitals and #77 for the Bears.

FROM CAPITALS MEDIA RELEASE:
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.

By Jon Sorensen
Follow @NoVa_Caps