Hawks make another big deal

[cphlblackhawks]

Made another big deal, tough one to make but one with one eye to the future

To Capitals:
Brian Rolston
Mark Streit
Anton Khubodin
Cash

To Hawks:
David Legwand
Brett McLean
Eric Fehr
3rd round pick

We really like Legwand and we felt that this was a great opportunity to acquire a good young player with a good contract at a reasonable price. We feel that we lose in the Streit/McLean swap, however we don't know how he'll do without Markov setting him up on the Power Play. Plus we acquired Fehr, a former first rounder looking to break through on the Caps.

[Knut]

It is a Tough deal from the Caps stand point as well....

Once again GM Hesla puts himself into a tough situation once the season ends when tonnes of cap has to come off the books.... however , we feel that with this deal the Caps have added some experience and scoring ability to their top lines.

Streit is valuable commodity as he can be swapped from F to D and has pretty good OF ratings. Rolston brings a strong two way game.

Honestly, the key to this deal is if Legwand ever reaches his potential and if Streit can continue with another solid Offensive campaign.

[nyrcrisfer]

The Caps get better for this season. I agree with Hesla that Legwand could end up making the difference. If he continues to improve he might end up being more valuable than both the guys the Caps got. Especially since Rolston is probably a free agent after this season.

[simmer2]

Legwand is a bit of a special circumstance, he looks like he's breaking out one year then goes backwards the following one. He's never done well in the lime-light up to this point so it will be interesting to see if he can handle more pressure with Radulov out of the picture in Nashville (most likely).

I'm not a big believer in Eric Fehr and I think Brett Maclean was a result of Olli Jokinen so he'll likely drop...but Legwand, that's the kicker in this deal.

Good job getting this one done, it will be an interesting one to follow as the year progresses.

[RT14]

Yeah I'd have to agree with Simmer on this one. Legwand has not lived up to expectations so far and I'm beginning to think he never will but at the very least is a solid 2nd line 2way player. Fehr is not likely to do much at the NHL level but there's still a chance. I know the Hawks get more potential out of the deal but it's potential at the end of it's rope I think. At least the Caps get something proven, but I'd call it a fair deal for now.

[Goffie]

I like the deal all around, I think Legwand is the wild card in this deal and certainly worth taking a shot on, whereas Rolston is the sure thing. He is great in the sim and he should notch another 30 NHL goals this year.