Capitals Loan Stevenson To Stingrays, Making Progress In Recovery

The Washington Capitals are dealing with a myriad of injuries, but got some welcome news on that front with regard to goaltending prospect Clay Stevenson.

Washington loaned Stevenson to their ECHL affiliate South Carolina Stingrays on Monday as he continues to recover from hand surgery he underwent on Oct. 1. Stevenson suffered the injury during training camp.

The 26-year-old netminder’s timeline was 4-6 weeks. With South Carolina, he will get some playing time and get to rehabilitate as he continues his campaign and works his way back to full strength.

Stevenson signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Capitals back in March following a standout season with Dartmouth that saw him post a .922 save percentage and 2.70 GAA through 23 games. He was one of the top free agent college goaltenders available.

“It’s very open communication here, which was one thing I really liked in my pursuit of teams,” Stevenson said of his deal. “They see and just want the best for me, and it’s great to come out here and work every day.”

READ MORE ON WHN: Washington Capitals’ Game Notes, Lines & Who To Watch vs. Carolina Hurricanes

He will likey get playing time with the AHL’s Hershey Bears at some point as he recovers. Zach Fucale and Hunter Shepard are the current tandem in Hershey. Garin Bjorklund is also in South Carolina.

“My plans are to be wherever they put me and do my best and do my part for the team,” Stevenson said during development camp.

In addition to Stevenson, defensive prospect Alex Alexeyev is also making strides in his recovery from shoulder surgery. He is on a long-term conditioning loan to Hershey.

It’s a good sign for Washington, who is also seeing defensive prospect Alex Alexeyev make strides in his recovery from shoulder surgery on a long-term conditioning loan to Hershey. However, the team is also dealing with several other ailments on the main roster.

T.J. Oshie and John Carlson join an already-lengthy injury list that includes stars Nicklas Backstrom (hip resurfacing surgery), Tom Wilson (ACL surgery), Carl Hagelin (hip surgery) and Connor Brown (lower-body). Meanwhile, top defensive call-up Lucas Johansen is also hurt.