Capitals trade captain Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina for Jason Chimera – The Post
Capitals trade their captain to Columbus – The Wash. Times
I don’t think anybody saw this trade coming. The Washington Capitals traded their captain Chris Clark and defenseman Milan Jurcina to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jason Chimera, best known around here for mixing it up with Alex Ovechkin back in November at the only game I have been to this season. After Ovechkin was injured in scrum that Chimera got started, Chimera declined to fight, so I don’t know if his acquisition toughens up the team at all. So, now I have to cheer for him? Many have suggested that the Caps need an enforcer, but I saw the word “agitator” in early stories about the trade yesterday. I’m a little skeptical of Chimera, but certainly willing to be won over.
Clark, captain since 2006, was blindsided by the trade. He had 30 goals that season, but lost most of the next two seasons to injuries. His production has diminished as the team got better too, though Clark did not mind. Praise for his leadership and toughness has been universal, so he will really be missed. Jurcina on the other hand was often a healthy scratch lately and dealing him frees up a spot for a younger, cheaper blueliners. Also, the trade frees up more salary cap space which means the Caps could be buyers at the deadline. It also comes right after Alexander Semin signed a one-year extension that will keep him in Chinatown through next season. That was pretty shrewd for both parties.
Coach Bruce Boudreau said the next captain will not be named right away. The three candidates that come to mind are Ovechkin, Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble. It will be interesting to see how gets the C and when. I would not be surprised if it comes after the Olympic break.
Hurricanes top Capitals, 6-3 – The Post
Disastrous first period dooms Capitals – The Wash. Times
Gee, I guess the Caps were rattled. The last place Carolina Hurricanes came into Verizon Center and crushed the home team. That is Washington’s first loss in the Southeast Division all season.
Washington Capitals, Caps, Jason Chimera, Milan Jurcina, Chris Clark, Columbus Blue Jackets