The trade left Chris Clark feeling discarded and unwanted.
Just 14 months before he helped the Calgary Flames reach the 2004 Stanley Cup finals. But shortly after the NHL lockout ended the following summer, Clark was unceremoniously traded to the Capitals for a pair of low-level draft picks. He was 29-years-old and starting over with an organization just beginning a massive rebuilding project.
“Looking back,” Clark said on Wednesday, “it was probably the turning point in my career.”
After back-to-back seasons with career-highs in both goals and points, Clark has signed a three-year contract extension worth $7.9 million that will keep him in Washington through 2011. His current deal worth $1.1 million expires after the upcoming season.
Clark, a 31-year-old native of South Windsor, Conn., was named team captain last September. In just two years he has transformed from a respected checking-line grinder with limited offensive ability into a legitimate goal-scoring right wing.
The 6-0, 196-pounder recorded 30 goals with 24 assists last season skating on the Capitals’ top line with star left wing Alex Ovechkin. The year before he posted 20 goals and 19 assists. That compared to 35 goals and 36 assists total during his five years with the Flames.
“Chris is a consummate professional and a terrific leader, said Capitals general manager George McPhee. “He has been an integral part of our team’s growth in the past two seasons, both on and off the ice.”
Clark passed up a chance at becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. That’s always a risk given the hefty salaries handed out by some NHL teams when the free-agent signing period began earlier this month.
“A lot of things can happen in a year,” Clark said. “Risk-reward can go either way. But I like where I am right now. I like the organization. I love the area. For me, it’s still a lot [of money].”
