The New Washington Capitals: A Breakdown of the New Players Signed During the Free Agency Period

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Washington Capitals have had a busy offseason, as they have had to make some tough lineup decisions over the last month. The Capitals have had to let good players join other clubs because of their cap crunch.

As the Capitals have let players like Karl Alzner and Justin Williams venture to other clubs, they have been spending their few pennies sparingly, and they have signed a few players on cheap deals.

Who have the Capitals brought in to the organization this summer? Could any of these players make their opening night roster? Let’s look at their new players:

DEVANTE SMITH-PELLY

The 25-year old Scarborough, Ontario native was a member of the New Jersey Devils in 2016-17. Smith-Pelly appeared in 53 games for the Devils last season and put up 4 goals and 9 points.

Smith-Pelly was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2^nd round of the 2010 NHL Draft. The Capitals will be his 3^rd club in 2 years, as he also spent some time in Montreal before he ended up in New Jersey.

Smith-Pelly may be a candidate to fill a hole on the Capitals 4^th line since Daniel Winnik has departed.

JOHN ALBERT

The 28-year old Cleveland, Ohio native was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 6^th round of the 2007 NHL Draft. After playing college hockey at Ohio State, Albert spent the next 5 seasons with the Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets AHL affiliates in St. Johns and Manitoba.

In 2016-17, Albert played hockey in the Finnish Elite League and scored 12 goals and 24 points with Oulun Karpat. Albert is likely destined to play in Hershey, but he could be a regular call-up for the Capitals.

ANTHONY PELUSO

The 28-year old North York, Ontario native has spent the last 4 seasons in Winnipeg. In 142 games, Peluso has recorded 4 goals and 14 points. Peluso is a big presence on the wing as he is 6’3” tall and 235 lbs. He has racked up 209 penalty minutes in his NHL career.

Peluso adds toughness and snarl to the lineup. He is likely headed to Hershey, but he could also see some time on the Capitals 4^th line during the regular season.

By: George Foussekis