Michalek Czechs into Washington

[JonDuke]

After a couple days of negotiations, the Washington Capitals are pleased to welcome Milan Michalek to the organization.





To Washington:
Milan Michalek

To Columbus:
Paul Byron
Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Carl Klinberg
Andy Andrehoff
2015 picks #99 and 106

Since scoring only 3 goals and 9 points in his first 36 games under Paul McLean, he found confidence under Dave Cameron, scoring 10 goals and 15 assists in his final 30 games with Ottawa and was instrumental to their playoff push.

All that is fine and dandy, but what attracted us to him the most was his numbers last CPHL season where he scored 27 goals and 64 points. We don't have a Zajac, but believe with Bonino slotting in at the 2nd C, and Wingels expected to be at RW, the line holds an exciting and very productive future.
Yeah, that's right...
The #BMWline is already trending on Twitter in the Washington area and fans are excited for what the future holds.

Paul Byron was a late season acquisition, and didn't play a single game in Washington. Although his contract, speed and tenacity were admirable, his size was a big deterent to the direction of which the team is heading. We are happy with the size and scoring touch upgrade that Milan brings to the team.

Aube-Kubel was hard to let go of. He's a great young player, and we think he has great potential, but it was a piece that was required to get the deal done. We wish him nothing but the best in his development.

Klinberg and Andrehoff: Well, they know it's all a part of life and are excited for their new beginning in Columbus, which...did you know: Is also home to the Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum?

Thanks very much to fundamentals for the trade talks. Very easy to deal with and this was a fun learning experience, for sure.

[fundamentals]

Nearly spat my freshly poured adult beverage @ that picture

It was a learning experience for me as well, so thanks to JonDuke for being gentle with me since it was my first time. I had heard Michalek was a good player in this league last year but I have a crapload of RFA's who will need a raise and two guys - Nash & Suter - who I'm assuming will need a maximum contract or close to it... and then STILL add at least 1 forward and 1 D to even be able to fill out my lines, so someone had to go.

Byron should be able to play on my 4th line, and I still think Klingberg can make it as a full-time NHLer after a couple decent AHL seasons (whether its with the Rangers or someone else).