Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The Washington Capitals traded all-time leading scorer Peter Bondra to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday for center Brooks Laich and a second-round pick in 2005.
The struggling Capitals have now traded two of their biggest-name players in recent weeks. They also sent superstar scorer Jaromir Jagr to the New York Rangers last month for winger Anson Carter.
"This is an extremely difficult trade for the organization," general manager George McPhee said in a statement. "On the ice, Peter played his heart out for the Washington Capitals, and off the ice he had time for everyone. He has remained a humble man while living in the rarified environment of a star athlete."
Playing in his 14th NHL season since Washington drafted him in the eighth round in 1990, Bondra has played in 961 games for the Capitals to rank second in team history, behind only Calle Johansson's 983 games.
The right wing has 825 career points, 472 goals, 137 power-play goals and 19 hat tricks.
Bondra should help the contending Senators immediately. Ottawa is tied with Toronto atop the Northeast Division, and also battling Philadelphia for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
"Peter Bondra deserves a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup, and I regret that we couldn't give him that opportunity in D.C. this year," Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis said. "I know what he means to our fan base, but allowing him the opportunity to win a Cup is important."
Laich has spent all but one game this season with Binghamton of the AHL, and has 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 44 contests.
WASHINGTON -- The Washington Capitals traded all-time leading scorer Peter Bondra to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday for center Brooks Laich and a second-round pick in 2005.
The struggling Capitals have now traded two of their biggest-name players in recent weeks. They also sent superstar scorer Jaromir Jagr to the New York Rangers last month for winger Anson Carter.
"This is an extremely difficult trade for the organization," general manager George McPhee said in a statement. "On the ice, Peter played his heart out for the Washington Capitals, and off the ice he had time for everyone. He has remained a humble man while living in the rarified environment of a star athlete."
Playing in his 14th NHL season since Washington drafted him in the eighth round in 1990, Bondra has played in 961 games for the Capitals to rank second in team history, behind only Calle Johansson's 983 games.
The right wing has 825 career points, 472 goals, 137 power-play goals and 19 hat tricks.
Bondra should help the contending Senators immediately. Ottawa is tied with Toronto atop the Northeast Division, and also battling Philadelphia for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
"Peter Bondra deserves a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup, and I regret that we couldn't give him that opportunity in D.C. this year," Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis said. "I know what he means to our fan base, but allowing him the opportunity to win a Cup is important."
Laich has spent all but one game this season with Binghamton of the AHL, and has 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 44 contests.
