Coyotes, Capitals trade AHL forwards

The Washington Capitals, parent club of the AHL’s Hershey Bears, have acquired right wing Joel Rechlicz from the Phoenix Coyotes, parent club of the AHL’s Portland Pirates, in exchange for forward Matt Clackson.

Rechlicz, 25, returns to Hershey after appearing in 72 games for the Bears from 2010-12. Rechlicz recorded two goals, one assist and 399 penalty minutes with Hershey over the two seasons.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound native of Brookfield, Wis., has appeared in 36 games with Portland this season, recording no points and 149 PIM. Rechlicz has played in a total of 158 AHL games with Albany, Bridgeport, Hershey and Portland, posting two goals, two assists and 794 penalty minutes. Rechlicz also has 26 games of NHL experience to his credit, with the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals.

Rechlicz was named the Bears’ IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season, for his outstanding contributions to the central Pennsylvania community.

Clackson recorded one goal, two assists and 36 penalty minutes in 19 games with Hershey this season. A 6-foot, 205-pound forward from Pittsburgh, Pa., Clackson is in his fifth professional season and has spent time with Adirondack, Chicago and Hershey. Clackson was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the seventh round of the 2005 NHL entry Draft.