Caps Trade for Hagelin
In light of trade rumors circling Devante Smith-Pelly, the Capitals have instead traded for new talent at another position. Kings forward Carl Hagelin has just been acquired by the Capitals in exchange for some later draft picks coming soon. Hagelin was traded to the Kings from Pittsburgh in November, making Washington his third team this season.
The thirty year-old Swede has 47 playoff points, which puts him behind only Ovechkin (117) among Capitals players. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups during his time with the Penguins and was notable for his time on the penalty kill, racking up 216 minutes total. He appeared in one additional Cup Final with the Rangers in 2014, accruing a total of twelve playoff points in their run at the Cup before losing to the Kings in six.
However, his stats have been in decline for most of this year. He has just two goals and five assists between both the Penguins and Kings this year. His infamous penalty kill has declined to just an average of one minute per game. Los Angeles was not giving him his due, it seems. At this point, a trade looked inevitable. It was Washington, known for their effective penalty kill and effective play between that time, who picked him up
Whatever happens, Hagelin has had a solid career and looks to continue it with this organization. Another forward would enhance the Capitals power play and continue to score goals. Hagelin’s ice time may be limited, but there is a niche for him to fill on the team and many ways to improve his efficiency.
