Stevenson Jets To Winnipeg

While the Washington Capitals were fortunate not to have third-string netminder Clay Stevenson claimed last season, they weren’t as lucky to open the new one. The 27-year-old was placed on waivers Sunday to be sent down to Hershey, was claimed by the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.

Stevenson, who appeared in last Monday’s exhibition game at Giant Center and stopped all 6 shots he faced, had played 5 total NHL games. But he was also seen as a goalie with potential with his work in the American Hockey League. He appeared in four games for the Capitals last season, going 3-1 and posting a .921 save percentage.

With Connor Hellebucyk holding out in Winnipeg for a trade, Stevenson will be paired with Stuart Skinner in Manitoba, and should the Jets get another goaltender or come to a resolution with their former Hart Trophy winner’s holdout, and Stevenson be sent down to the AHL, Washington would get a chance to get him back.

For Washington, that also means Cal Petersen, who played the third period in Washington’s 5-1 win in Philadelphia, will be on a PTO in Hershey and presumably signed to a deal in short order. Charlie Lindgren retained the backup role and certainly helped his cause backstopping the win Saturday in Philadelphia against nearly the Flyers’ starting lineup behind 15 skaters without NHL experience.

Washington’s other waiver claim candidate, Jonny Brodzinski, cleared waivers and was part of a group of 14 assigned to the Bears to open their season.