Posse81
March-3rd-2004, 12:38 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26424-2004Mar3.html
New From The Post
Capitals Send Gonchar to Bruins
By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 4, 2004; 12:00 AM
The Washington Capitals traded defenseman Sergei Gonchar to Boston this morning, ending more than a month of trade talks with numerous clubs about the former all star.
Gonchar, 29, had spent his entire career in Washington and was the NHL's highest-scoring defenseman this season, but was dealt for defensive prospect Shaone Morrisonn and a first and second round pick in the 2004 draft, according to sources involved in the deal, which was to be completed with a conference call with NHL officials at noon.
Toronto and Colorado were the other finalists for Gonchar, but Capitals General Manager George McPhee ultimately chose Boston's offer. Gonchar joins stalwarts Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Peter Bondra and Steve Konowalchuk as key Capitals to be traded this season, while Olaf Kolzig and Brendan Witt, the only remaining players from Washington's 1998 team that reached the Stanley Cup finals, could be the next to go.
Gonchar has scored more goals than any NHL defenseman dating back to 1998-99 and has led the Capitals, who remain in last place in the lowly Southeast Division, in goals by a defenseman seven times since being selected in the first round of the 1992 draft. Twice, Gonchar has topped the 20-goal plateau, and last season he set a career high with 67 points.
He is a tremendous passer, possesses a booming shot and is considered the premier power play point man in the NHL.
But Gonchar also makes $3.65 million a season and is set to make over $5 million next season as an arbitration-eligible player. That reality, coupled with Washington's sweeping cost-cutting measures and the player's lack of desire to sign a long-term extension with Washington, led to today's trade.
Gonchar was eager to move to a contending team, and, like many of Washington's veterans, did not want to stay in Washington through a rebuilding process.
Morrisonn, 21, has played 30 games this season, scoring 10 points. He was selected 19th overall in the 2001 draft and played 11 games for the Bruins last season. He has good size -- 6-foot-3, 205 pounds -- but lacks the immense offensive gifts Gonchar provides, leaving Washington without a true skilled defenseman, a void that could be difficult to fill.
There is a still a chance that Kolzig, another former all star, could be dealt before the March 9 trade deadline, although sources said talks between Colorado and Washington have bogged down with the Avalanche unwilling to assume all of the $12.75 million remaining on Kolzig's contract. Few other contending teams are seeking to add a goaltender, and fewer still can afford that salary.
Witt is being pursued by numerous teams and is likely to bring a handsome return in a trade. Nashville General Manager David Poile, who drafted Witt when managing the Capitals, is looking for defensemen and attended Tuesday's game between Washington an Florida at MCI Center. Los Angeles, Dallas, New Jersey, Vancouver and Montreal have also expressed interest, according to league sources with knowledge of the Witt trade talks.
New From The Post
Capitals Send Gonchar to Bruins
By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 4, 2004; 12:00 AM
The Washington Capitals traded defenseman Sergei Gonchar to Boston this morning, ending more than a month of trade talks with numerous clubs about the former all star.
Gonchar, 29, had spent his entire career in Washington and was the NHL's highest-scoring defenseman this season, but was dealt for defensive prospect Shaone Morrisonn and a first and second round pick in the 2004 draft, according to sources involved in the deal, which was to be completed with a conference call with NHL officials at noon.
Toronto and Colorado were the other finalists for Gonchar, but Capitals General Manager George McPhee ultimately chose Boston's offer. Gonchar joins stalwarts Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang, Peter Bondra and Steve Konowalchuk as key Capitals to be traded this season, while Olaf Kolzig and Brendan Witt, the only remaining players from Washington's 1998 team that reached the Stanley Cup finals, could be the next to go.
Gonchar has scored more goals than any NHL defenseman dating back to 1998-99 and has led the Capitals, who remain in last place in the lowly Southeast Division, in goals by a defenseman seven times since being selected in the first round of the 1992 draft. Twice, Gonchar has topped the 20-goal plateau, and last season he set a career high with 67 points.
He is a tremendous passer, possesses a booming shot and is considered the premier power play point man in the NHL.
But Gonchar also makes $3.65 million a season and is set to make over $5 million next season as an arbitration-eligible player. That reality, coupled with Washington's sweeping cost-cutting measures and the player's lack of desire to sign a long-term extension with Washington, led to today's trade.
Gonchar was eager to move to a contending team, and, like many of Washington's veterans, did not want to stay in Washington through a rebuilding process.
Morrisonn, 21, has played 30 games this season, scoring 10 points. He was selected 19th overall in the 2001 draft and played 11 games for the Bruins last season. He has good size -- 6-foot-3, 205 pounds -- but lacks the immense offensive gifts Gonchar provides, leaving Washington without a true skilled defenseman, a void that could be difficult to fill.
There is a still a chance that Kolzig, another former all star, could be dealt before the March 9 trade deadline, although sources said talks between Colorado and Washington have bogged down with the Avalanche unwilling to assume all of the $12.75 million remaining on Kolzig's contract. Few other contending teams are seeking to add a goaltender, and fewer still can afford that salary.
Witt is being pursued by numerous teams and is likely to bring a handsome return in a trade. Nashville General Manager David Poile, who drafted Witt when managing the Capitals, is looking for defensemen and attended Tuesday's game between Washington an Florida at MCI Center. Los Angeles, Dallas, New Jersey, Vancouver and Montreal have also expressed interest, according to league sources with knowledge of the Witt trade talks.