Announced Friday morning, the Minnesota Wild traded forward Adam Beckman for New Jersey Devils forward Graeme Clarke. Beckman and Clarke, both 23, are looking to break out of the AHL level and earn a spot on an NHL roster. The trade will allow both players a fresh start and a new chance.
🚨 TRADE ALERT 🚨
We have acquired Adam Beckman from Minnesota in exchange for Graeme Clarke.
📰 Full Details: https://t.co/dUiDZ04YMj pic.twitter.com/aGSYmr6x94
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) June 21, 2024
Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils Exchange Minor League Forwards
Selected by Minnesota in the third round (75th overall) in the 2019 NHL draft, Beckman played for the Iowa Wild from 2020 to 2024. The 6’2″ skater has recorded 108 points, and 70 PIM in 181 AHL games with the Iowa Wild. In the 2023-24 season, the forward played in 51 AHL games, recording 33 points, three GWG, 24 PIM, and 150 shots. At the NHL level, Beckman played in 11 games and recorded two points. Beckman quickly became a fan favourite in Minnesota but struggled to find a spot in the NHL lineup regularly. With Minnesota stricken with injuries last season, Beckman was summoned to Minnesota for insurance purposes and watched plenty of games from the press box. As a result, it is not shocking the Minnesota Wild traded the forward to give him more opportunity.
What Does Each Player Bring to Their Respective New Organizations
Graeme Clarke was also selected in the third round (80th overall) of the 2019 NHL draft by New Jersey. The 6-foot skater started his AHL career with Binghamton and proceeded onto the Utica Comets. From 2020-24, Clarke collected 149 points in 218 games. Last season on the AHL level, Clarke finished 67 games with 49 points, eight GWG, four PPG, and 30 PIM. Impressively, Clarke led the Comets in scoring, ranked second in points, and represented the team at the AHL All-Star Classic. At the NHL level, Clarke appeared in 3 games with the Devils and has yet to acquire his first NHL point.
Overall, both minor league forwards struggled to develop with their respective teams and gain trust amongst the NHL coaching staff. A homecoming for Waconia, Minnesota Native may be what Clarke needs to progress his game. As for Beckman, he escapes from the logjam of incoming Minnesota prospects.
Main photo credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
