Capitals Claim Staffan Kronwall Off Waivers from Maple Leafs

The Washington Capitals announced on Friday that they have claimed defenseman Staffan Kronwall off re-entry waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He had been placed on waivers by the Maple Leafs on Thursday. Kronwall, who has yet to play an NHL game this season, has played in 42 games for the Maple Leafs AHL affiliate in Toronto this season, scoring seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points. He last played with the Maple Leafs in 2007-08, appearing in 18 games and scoring no points. With Capitals defenseman Chris Clark out for the rest of the season with a wrist injury, the team appears to be seeking depth on defense. They have also recalled defenseman Karl Alzner from their AHL affiliate in Hershey. More than likely, Alzner will remain with the team for the rest of the season given his strong play when he was first called up by the Capitals. While Kronwall could play the role of a seventh defenseman on the team's blueline for the next few months, he will probably be sent to Hershey to take Alzner's spot on that team seeing as how he has hardly any NHL experience and does not have much upside.