Caps Acquire Scott Hannan From Avs

In a move many fans have been waiting for, the Caps finally got their veteran defenseman.  The team has announced that GM George McPhee has traded forward Tomas Fleischmann to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Scott Hannan.  Fleischmann, or Flash as he has become known, enjoyed his best offensive season last year, putting up 23 goals and 51 points for the President’s Trophy (best league record) winning Capitals.  Yet, this season he has struggled to find that offensive game, scoring only 4 goals and 10 points in 23 games thus far.  Hannan, who had to waive his no-trade clause for the deal to become finalized, has 6 assists in 23 games this season.

This deal makes a ton of sense for the Caps.  Flash has great offensive talent.  However, he has been inconsistent his entire career.  Last season marked his best yet, but he has failed to maintain that pace through the start of this campaign, even being a healthy scratch due to his poor play.  And I believe the play of rookie Marcus Johansson, which seems to improve every game, made this deal possible.

Hannan, 31, is a veteran defenseman who has been in the league for 11 seasons.  He is a stay-at-home defenseman that will add physical play and help stabilize a blueline that has a ton of talent, but not a lot of experience.  Before this trade, the only D-man with more than 400 games played was Tom Poti, at over 700.  Hannan’s experience will benefit young D-men Karl Alzner and John Carlson, as well as take some of the pressure off of the young duo.

Contract-wise, both Flash and Hannan are UFAs at the end of the season.  This move is to make the Caps a stronger contender this season, and if Hannan plays really well and the money is right, maybe the Caps make an offer come the off-season.  Given the fact Hannan waived his no-trade-clause to come to the Caps, maybe he is willing to take less money to stay with the contender.  All that being said, it’s this blogger’s opinion that Hannan is here just for this season to help win a Cup and let Alzner and Carlson develop. The plan is they will be ready to handle even more responsibility next season.  The money saved can then be used to make a substantial offer to Alexander Semin.

I wish Flash the best of luck in Colorado.  Hopefully that mile high air can help him find his consistency and he can put up some good numbers to cash in on his free agent status at the end of the season.  I’d also like to welcome Hannan to D.C. and the best team in hockey.  Let’s Go Caps!