What About Brooksie?

Sad face.

With the news that the Washington Capitals had traded their first round pick, 26th overall, to the Chicago Blackhawks on draft night for Troy Brouwer, it became apparent to me that George McPhee has given up hope on signing Brooks Laich to a new contract.
Brouwer is a restricted free agent who made $1.025 million last year and is due for a significant raise.  He has a cup ring and he is only 25 years old, so he is a valuable player who can score some.  He's not a stud, but he plays the game right and like I said before, he has won and knows how to do the little things. Brouwer is a grinder who Caps fans will instantly love for what he brings to the table.  He's good  But...
But...there is no way that the money is going to work.  With Laich an unrestricted free agent and the de facto number two forward on the market this offseason, Washington simply does not have the cash to lock up 21 for a deal at a price that will be able to compare to what a team like Toronto will.  It's really a shame, because I think Laich is one of the most important players on the team and his loss would be (will be) tough to compensate for.  You have to give up something to get something. Brouwer has a ring, so I guess in GMGM's mind, that was the trump card.
What did John Mellencamp say again?  "Life goes on long after the thrill of livin' is gone?"  Yeah, that.  We'll miss you, Brooks.