Revelstoke's Aaron Volpatti is on the move after being claimed off waivers by the Washington Capitals on Thursday.
"I'm excited about the opportunity here going forward. Maybe a better opportunity for myself," the 27-year-old left-winger told the Times Review. "Other than that, it was a little bit surprising all that's happened the last little bit here."
The 6'1", 215-pound forward was placed on waivers by the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, who were planning on sending him to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL to work on his overall game.
Instead, Volpatti will be staying in the NHL, joining the struggling Capitals, who currently sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference with a 7-11-1 record and are six points out of a playoff spot.
Volpatti said he'd been in touch with Capitals' General Manager George McPhee and Coach Adam Oates. He will be flying to Winnipeg and meeting his new teammates there. His first game in his new uniform will against the Jets on Saturday at noon PST. The game will be broadcast on the CBC.
"I've got to play my game and hopefully I can contribute a little bit more, maybe on the penalty kill and play a few more minutes," said Volpatti, who averaged 7:18 of ice time per game with Vancouver.
Volpatti has one goal and 28 penalty minutes in 16 games this year. He had 42 hits – second on the team – but was a healthy scratch for three of the last five Canucks' games.
He has four goals and one assist in 54 career NHL games. According to the Washington Post, he will be wearing number 24 with the Capitals.
"I'm just looking forward to a fresh start and new opportunity," he said.