After improving to 13 goals and 32 points in 2007–08, Della Rovere was selected by the Washington Capitals in the seventh round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He has become a valuable prospect in the eyes of the Capitals following a standout season with the Colts in 2008–09 that also saw him earn a spot on Canada's gold medal-winning team at the 2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He signed a contract with the Capitals late in the season and made his professional debut with Washington's ECHL affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays, recording one assist in two games played.