Washington Capitals signs forward John Albert to a one-year deal

The Washington Capitals announced Monday morning they have agreed to terms with forward John Albert for the 2017-18 season.

Albert, a native of Cleveland, last played in the AHL in 2015-16 when he was the captain of the Manatoba Moose. During his AHL career, he scored 155 points in 283 games.

In the 2016-17 season, Albert crossed the pond to Finland to play for Kärpät, scoring 12 goals and 24 points. The contract is a one-year, two-way deal ($650k NHL, $220k AHL) for the 2017-18 season. Albert would be qualified as an AHL veteran.

The Capitals also announced they have signed former Norfolk Admiral Devante Smith-Pelly for the 2017-18 season. Smith-Pelly is expected to play for Washington next season.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed forward John Albert to a one-year, two-way contract ($650,000/$220,000), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.

Albert, 28, has registered 155 points (68g, 87a) in 283 career AHL games with St. John’s and Manitoba. During the 2013-14 season, the Cleveland, Ohio, native recorded 45 points (28g, 17a) and led St. John’s in goals. Albert collected seven points with St. John’s during the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs, leading the IceCaps to the Calder Cup Finals. He served as an alternate captain with the IceCaps for two seasons, and was named team captain of the Manitoba Moose for the 2015-16 campaign.

The 5’11”, 190-pound forward played in Finland for Kärpät during the 2016-17 season, collecting 24 points (12g, 12a). Albert was drafted by Atlanta in the sixth round, 175th overall, in the 2007 NHL Draft. During the 2013-14 season, Albert appeared in nine games with Winnipeg and scored a goal against the NY Rangers in his NHL debut on Dec. 2, 2013. Prior to turning professional, Albert played at Ohio State (NCAA). He served as captain during his senior season and finished his career with 124 points (33 goals, 91 assists) in 159 NCAA games.