Capitals Sign Miroslav Zalesak and Ben Clymer

[VodkaFish]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Capitals today signed right wing Miroslav Zalesak, who most recently played in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. Also announced was the signing of left wing Ben Clymer, who most recently played in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Zalesak, 25, was selected 104th overall (fourth round) by San Jose in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. The 6' 0", 200-pound native of Skalica, (then Czechoslovakia), recorded no points and no penalty minutes in two games with the Sharks in 2003-04, his most recent NHL action.

In parts of two NHL seasons Zalesak has totaled one goal and two assists (three points) in 12 games. He totaled 35 goals, 40 assists (75 points) and 80 penalty minutes in 72 games with Cleveland of the AHL in 2003-04. Zalesak finished third in the league in goals and scoring and fourth in the league with 13 power-play goals in 2003-04.

Prior to beginning his North American pro career in 2000-01, Zalesak played four seasons in his native Slovakia and two seasons with Drummondville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Clymer, 27, was selected 27th overall (second round) by Boston in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. The 6' 1", 199-pound native of Bloomington, Minn., recorded two goals, eight assists (10 points) and 50 penalty minutes with the Stanley Cup champion Lightning in 2003-04. He also appeared in five playoff games with the Lightning.

In five NHL seasons Clymer has totaled 29 goals, 47 assists (76 points) and 251 penalty minutes in 295 games. Ten of his goals have come on the power play and three have been game-winners. He totaled 14 goals and 34 points with Tampa Bay in 2001-02; both figures are career highs.

Prior to turning pro in 1999-2000, Clymer played two seasons of NCAA hockey at the University of Minnesota and one season with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.

[stevecanuck16]

I thought the Caps would be big spenders in the UFA market because they now had Ovechkin.......I thought wrong.

[DaleHunter32]

As a caps fan any news is good news!!!

After they signed Jags and Lang 2 years ago it has basically killed the franchise, they spent way too much way too fast (ala Pitt if they don't be careful). When they had their Yard sale for players at the end of last season everyone knew the franchise was going to be pinching pennies for a couple of seasons, thats why you see them adding marque names like this

Zalesak i don't mind b/c he's a younger guy that could develop into something, but the last thing the caps need is another lumper 3-4th line winger like clymer, when really they need a good 2-3 C, at least they didn't pick another defensemen though