The Washington Capitals have made a significant move by acquiring forward Wyatt Bongiovanni from the Ottawa Senators. This trade involves the Capitals sending forward Graeme Clarke to Ottawa, as announced by senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick.
Details of the Trade
Wyatt Bongiovanni, now a member of the Capitals, is expected to report to the Hershey Bears, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of Washington.
Bongiovanni’s Performance and Career Highlights
- Bongiovanni is 26 years old and stands 6 feet tall, weighing 193 pounds.
- This season, he has recorded 25 points, including 12 goals and 13 assists, in 54 games with the Belleville Senators.
- He tied for second on the team in power-play goals (2) and ranked fifth in overall goals.
- In the 2024-25 season, he set AHL career highs with 22 goals and 33 points in 54 games.
- He led Belleville in game-winning goals (5) and also ranked high in other offensive categories.
Background and Early Career
Bongiovanni began his professional career after signing with the Winnipeg Jets on April 17, 2022, following his collegiate tenure at Quinnipiac University. During his time with the Bobcats, he tallied 90 points over four seasons, serving as team captain in his final year.
AHL Career Statistics
- In 215 career AHL games played for Belleville and Manitoba, Bongiovanni has accumulated 101 points (63 goals and 38 assists).
- He has also made his mark in the playoffs, registering seven points in 12 Calder Cup playoff games.
Graeme Clarke Overview
On the flip side, Graeme Clarke has been performing well for the Hershey Bears. The 24-year-old has registered 24 points, including 15 goals and 9 assists, in 50 games this season.
Clarke’s AHL Career
- He has tallied a total of 210 career points through 332 AHL games.
- Clarke has played for various teams, including Hershey, Iowa, Utica, and Binghamton.
This trade signifies the Capitals’ aim to enhance their roster, while the Senators gain a promising young player in Clarke. With the addition of Bongiovanni, Washington looks to bolster their forward lineup as the season progresses.
