The Washington Capitals have acquired forward Daniel Winnik from the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of a deal that gave up their longest-tenured player.
The Capitals also traded forward Brooks Laich, defenseman Connor Carrick and a 2016 second-round pick to Toronto for Winnick and a 2016 fifth-round pick. The Caps are hoping to stock up for a potential playoff run with the move, which also opens up salary-cap space ahead of the trade deadline.
Laich has been with the Capitals since they acquired him for Peter Bondra in 2004. Alex Ovechkin was drafted just a few months later. Laich has suffered a string of injuries throughout his career. He has just one goal and six assists in 60 games this season. He cleared waivers on Sunday.
Winnik, 30, has four goals and 10 assists in 56 games for the Maple Leafs so far this season. Toronto traded him at the 2015 deadline, re-signed him last summer and then sent him to Washington.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
“Daniel is a versatile player who plays with grit and can be used in all situations,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said. “This move enables us to add some depth to our forward group and balances our lineup.”
Thanks to the trade, the Capitals have now opened up $2.2 million in cap space they could use before the deadline. Winnik and Laich are both signed for next season as well.
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 18: Dan Boyle #22 of the New York Rangers skates against Daniel Winnik #26 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on February 18, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
To add insult to injury, Sean McVay announced on Monday that the Los Angeles Rams…
The Panthers named Andy Dalton as their new starting quarterback earlier this week, relieving 2023…
Once known as the worst clutch quarterback in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins…
On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve with a concussion.…
The Chicago Bears learned the hard way last week that not all wins are pretty.…
Quarterback Daniel Jones has had to field multiple questions about negative Giants fans last week.…