Washington Capitals Sign Joel Rechlicz

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Joel Rechlicz to a one-year contract and have recalled him from the AHL's Hershey Bears.

Rechlicz, a 24-year-old right-winger from Brookfield, Wisconsin, is a prototypical fighter who, while not a goon, is in the lineup to drop the gloves and create energy. He has made his name as a player who stops at nothing to protect and stand up for his teammates, whether the punishment be a suspension, a hefty fine, or incredible physical harm.

Rechlicz has appeared in 23 NHL games in his career, all with the New York Islanders, contributing with one assist and 95 penalty minutes. In 105 career AHL games, the player affectionately nicknamed 'Recker' has two goals, two assists, and 562 penalty minutes, including a league-leading 184 in 2011/12. In 27 games with the Bears this season, Rechlicz has one goal, one assist, and is a minus-2.

When asked for a reason for the call-up, Caps head coach Dale Hunter explained that “a lot of teams have heavyweights and he’s going to add toughness to our team. He’s a tough character and he’s just a tough guy you can have on the road.”

At practice, Rechlicz skated on the fourth-line alongside Jay Beagle and Cody Eakin, who was also recalled from the Bears, and is expected to make his Caps debut on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.