Washington has added some depth ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Tom Gilbert from Los Angeles for future considerations.
Gilbert, 34, cleared waivers at the beginning of the month after scoring just five points in 18 games this year. He’d signed on with the Kings last summer after two seasons in Montreal, but spent most of his time in L.A. in the press box as a healthy scratch.
He also missed three games to suspension for boarding Anaheim forward Nick Ritchie.
Earlier in his career, Gilbert was a decent offensive defenseman that racked up 45 points for the Oilers in ’08-09. But now, having suffered a season-ending knee ailment with the Habs last year, he looks to be a step slow. Hard to imagine he’s much more than a stopgap replacement should Washington suffer an injury on defense.
The Kings will retain 20 percent of Gilbert’s $1.4 million cap hit, according to Caps writer Mike Vogel.
As for the future considerations?
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