The Washington Capitals have claimed forward Aaron Volpatti off waivers on Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports.Volpatti was placed on waivers by the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday afternoon.
Aaron Volpatti claimed on waivers by Capitals
The Washington Capitals have claimed forward Aaron Volpatti off waivers.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Having played in 16 games this season, Volpatti has scored one goal and been assessed 28 penalty minutes. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Brown University, Volpatti made his NHL debut with Vancouver during the 2010-11 season. Last season, he played in 23 games but was forced to miss much of the year due to a shoulder injury, which required surgery.
In terms of what the Capitals have acquired, Volpatti will be able to fill a depth role. Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal views the 27-year-old forward as a defensively responsible player who is able to thrive in the physical components of the game.
Vancouver head coach Alan Vigneualt is known for employing a ‘chess-like’ mentality when deploying his forward lines, favoring to use specific players in specific zones, dependent upon where the face-off is taking place. According to Willis, Volpatti began 71 percent of his even strength shifts in the defensive zone over the course of his three years with the Canucks.
This move potentially will allow the Capitals to supplement their bottom-six forward pairings with a defensive-minded player.
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