Graeme Clarke had a brief stint with the Senators last season, but his performance in Belleville suggested he might earn a more significant chance. At the NHL trade deadline in March, Ottawa acquired the Ottawa-born forward from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Wyatt Bongiovanni. Clarke, a 2024 AHL All-Star, had consecutive 25-goal seasons with Utica. He learned of the trade just moments before the deadline expired.
During an interview at the team’s annual golf tournament, defenseman Thomas Chabot was asked about the Senators’ captaincy. Clarke shared his excitement about being traded, recalling a call he received in a hotel room that announced he was going to Ottawa. Growing up as a Sens fan—wearing Daniel Alfredsson jerseys—Clarke found the move particularly special. His enthusiasm was evident as he started strong with seven points in his first two Belleville games, benefiting from a positional shift back to center ice, which he credits for sharpening his instincts.
Although Clarke finished the season with impressive numbers—19 points in 15 AHL games—he was unable to secure an NHL deal this summer that satisfied him. Instead, the Ottawa native, who idolized Alfredsson, will now join Swedish club Frölunda HC on a one-year contract. Frölunda, noteworthy for developing Alfie and Erik Karlsson, is one of Europe’s top teams with ambitions to win. Clarke expressed positive impressions of both the club and Gothenburg’s city, describing the opportunity as exciting.
Clarke’s European experience isn’t new; he and his younger brother, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke, briefly played in Slovakia during the pandemic-affected 2020-21 season. He also represented Canada at the Spengler Cup last December and will participate again this year with the Swedish team. Despite a short tenure with Ottawa’s organization, Clarke’s roots in Ottawa run deep—from AAA hockey to three seasons with the OHL’s Ottawa 67s. At 25, his NHL prospects are still alive; a standout season in Europe’s top leagues might rekindle interest from North American teams. For now, following a path laid by iconic senators like Alfredsson, Clarke’s journey remains promising.
By Steve Warne
The Hockey News
This article was first published in The Hockey News. For more coverage on the Senators, check out recent headlines such as Chabot’s leadership reflections, Formenton’s fresh start, and the Senators’ captaincy discussions.
Fan Take: Clarke’s move to Europe is a reminder of how even talented players can find resurgence abroad, keeping their dreams alive. It’s exciting because these stories underscore that patience and perseverance can redirect careers, adding a compelling layer to the global hockey landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
