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The Czech Condor
Washington Capitals Trade for Elite Defenseman
AP - Washington, DC
Washington Post
Today at 4:40 PM Washington Capitals General Manager Josh Howell announced a press conference to discuss a recent trade that was made that was said to be "substantial", prior to an important stretch of games that will decide the season for Washington.
"I think a lot of you guys thought we were kidding when we came in here at the start of the season and said we were really going to make a push for the post season in our very first season", said Howell.
To this point, Washington has used an immense amount of reserve money and salary cap room to bring in some high powered producers to a team that hasn't been in contention in some time.
"The last GM was under orders to really try to make money at whatever means possible. That approach brought about a lot of apathy in the fanbase and it actually cost us money in the long run. With a new ownership in place we have been given the reigns to go out and pick up some of these quality names. Your Marty Turco, Rod Brind'Amour, Martin St. Louis, Vaclav Prospal, and now..... Ed Jovanovski to really round out the group".
Jovanovski, 32, has 3 years left on his contract after this season at a $6.45 million cap hit. This considerable number for an Islanders franchise that sits near the bottom of the standings wasn't exactly a contract they were uncomfortable moving.
With only 25 points in 45 games this season, Jovanovski has not been the defenseman that the Islanders had hoped for after being plucked from the Penguins after a season that saw him throw 160 hits and 240 penalty minutes to go along with 35 points in 69 games and a +15 rating. Jovanovski scored 69 points with a +50 rating with the 05-06 powerhouse San Jose Sharks. Washington is hopeful that he can return to that form.
"If you look at the team we have and the players that he's going to get the chance to play with, there is no reason to not think he's going to be able to jump right in and dominate in both ends of the ice. He's a star defender being paid a star salary and we expect star level play from him. I've talked to Ed about it and he knows we're going to need more from him than he has been giving on the Island. He's an elite skill guy and we need that to translate into dynamic play for us".
In the trade, Washington gives up talented youngster and grandson of the legendary Soviet coach by the same name, Viktor Tihkanov.
"We weren't happy about having to give up that piece in particular, but when you have a star defenseman out there on the block you have to come strong because you're competing with a lot of other teams out there that could use him. We were fortunate to get another piece back in Jamie McBain that is going to help us in the future with any luck. We think we balanced the immediate and the future pretty well in this trade".
Washington also sheds $1.75 million in salary in the form of Tyler Arnason who struggled to find a role in Washington. He'll no doubt be in better position to score and generate some interest in New York. A draft selection was also included from Washington.
"We have a lot invested in this season", says Howell.
"We're going to have to prove that we've made smart investments. That reflects in the group we're able to put out".
Howell was also quick to point out that this was not a rental situation, despite the timing of the deal.
"We were lucky because this player came up and he still has a number of years on his contract. With Drew Doughty coming up through the ranks and likely to be on the team next season, we really needed an elite defenseman to help work him through and show him how to really be a consummate professional. We expect Ed to play out his contract here and play it well".
AP - Washington, DC
Washington Post
Today at 4:40 PM Washington Capitals General Manager Josh Howell announced a press conference to discuss a recent trade that was made that was said to be "substantial", prior to an important stretch of games that will decide the season for Washington.
"I think a lot of you guys thought we were kidding when we came in here at the start of the season and said we were really going to make a push for the post season in our very first season", said Howell.
To this point, Washington has used an immense amount of reserve money and salary cap room to bring in some high powered producers to a team that hasn't been in contention in some time.
"The last GM was under orders to really try to make money at whatever means possible. That approach brought about a lot of apathy in the fanbase and it actually cost us money in the long run. With a new ownership in place we have been given the reigns to go out and pick up some of these quality names. Your Marty Turco, Rod Brind'Amour, Martin St. Louis, Vaclav Prospal, and now..... Ed Jovanovski to really round out the group".
Jovanovski, 32, has 3 years left on his contract after this season at a $6.45 million cap hit. This considerable number for an Islanders franchise that sits near the bottom of the standings wasn't exactly a contract they were uncomfortable moving.
With only 25 points in 45 games this season, Jovanovski has not been the defenseman that the Islanders had hoped for after being plucked from the Penguins after a season that saw him throw 160 hits and 240 penalty minutes to go along with 35 points in 69 games and a +15 rating. Jovanovski scored 69 points with a +50 rating with the 05-06 powerhouse San Jose Sharks. Washington is hopeful that he can return to that form.
"If you look at the team we have and the players that he's going to get the chance to play with, there is no reason to not think he's going to be able to jump right in and dominate in both ends of the ice. He's a star defender being paid a star salary and we expect star level play from him. I've talked to Ed about it and he knows we're going to need more from him than he has been giving on the Island. He's an elite skill guy and we need that to translate into dynamic play for us".
In the trade, Washington gives up talented youngster and grandson of the legendary Soviet coach by the same name, Viktor Tihkanov.
"We weren't happy about having to give up that piece in particular, but when you have a star defenseman out there on the block you have to come strong because you're competing with a lot of other teams out there that could use him. We were fortunate to get another piece back in Jamie McBain that is going to help us in the future with any luck. We think we balanced the immediate and the future pretty well in this trade".
Washington also sheds $1.75 million in salary in the form of Tyler Arnason who struggled to find a role in Washington. He'll no doubt be in better position to score and generate some interest in New York. A draft selection was also included from Washington.
"We have a lot invested in this season", says Howell.
"We're going to have to prove that we've made smart investments. That reflects in the group we're able to put out".
Howell was also quick to point out that this was not a rental situation, despite the timing of the deal.
"We were lucky because this player came up and he still has a number of years on his contract. With Drew Doughty coming up through the ranks and likely to be on the team next season, we really needed an elite defenseman to help work him through and show him how to really be a consummate professional. We expect Ed to play out his contract here and play it well".
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