The Washington Capitals made a trade on the opening night of the 2011 NHL Draft, acquiring right winger Troy Brouwer from the Chicago Blackhawks for their first round selection in this draft, 26th overall. Brouwer is an RFA, due a raise, and this is, put shortly, a risky move by George McPhee. The Capitals do not have the money to sign Brouwer to a good deal AND keep Brooks Laich, and lose the chance on drafting a young, exciting player. This deal may also force out Semyon Varlamov and pretty much eliminates any chance at re-signing Scott Hannan.
Brouwer is a solid player, who has won a cup with Chicago, but to me, the money is the biggest issue. As I said earlier, this virtually guarantees that both Semyon Varlamov and Brooks Laich have played their last game in Capital red. It's a risk, but Brouwer could bring some unforeseen positives, providing his surgically repaired shoulder holds up. The power forward had surgery earlier this spring after Chicago was eliminated; McPhee fully expects him to be ready for training camp.
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