Maple Leafs Trade Daniel Winnik To Capitals

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.

Maple Leafs Trade Daniel Winnik To Capitals

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.

“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.

Caption: 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)