WP: Grier traded for prospect

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...-2004Mar9.html

New From The Post
Caps Get Prospect for Grier at Trade Deadline

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 9, 2004; 2:48 PM


The Washington Capitals dealt winger Mike Grier, the team's de facto captain and a key character player, to Buffalo for teenage prospect Jakub Klepis before today's 3 p.m. trade deadline, and were still exploring trades for Olaf Kolzig, Brendan Witt, Kip Miller and Bates Battaglia.

Grier, 29, had eight goals and 20 points in 67 games this season, and he was acquired from Edmonton early last season. He quickly integrated into the team and was viewed as a potential player to build around. Grier makes $1.63 million and was the highest paid forward remaining on the roster.

Grier will make his debut for the Sabres on Wednesday, when Buffalo visits MCI Center.

Klepis, 19, a center who was originally selected to Ottawa 16th overall in the 2002 draft, was dealt to Buffalo last February. Klepis has played in his native Czech Republic and for a Canadian junior hockey team; like many of the youngsters acquired by Washington this season, he must be signed by June or he will re-enter the draft. He scored 43 points in 44 games playing in the Czech League this season and also represented his country at the World Junior Championship.

Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver were still pursuing Kolzig as of 2 p.m., league sources said, and the Capital are eager to rid themselves of Kolzig's contract, which has $12.75 million remaining. He is the only player on the roster earning more than $1.75 million.

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And the hits just keep on comin'!

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