The Washington Capitals continue selling as they announced that forward Lars Eller was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2025 second round pick.
We have acquired Lars Eller from the Washington Capitals. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/lYdoQHoqti
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 1, 2023
Centre Lars Eller Traded by the Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals have traded veteran centre Lars Eller. Eller is a 33-year-old Danish centre playing in his 14th NHL season. Over his career, Eller has scored 160 goals and 204 assists. While not a high offensive producer (he has 16 points and -2.6 goals above expected in 60 games this season), he did score the game-winning goal in game five of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals to give Washington its only Stanley Cup. More notably, Eller is a penalty kill specialist and strong defensive forward. He also leads the Capitals with a 54.6% faceoff percentage and has 80 hits in 60 games this season. Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft, Eller spent time with the Blues, Montreal Canadiens and Capitals. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
What It Means For the Future
Lars Eller is a nice bottom six forward and defensive centre. He has decent size at six foot two inches and 205 pounds and is not afraid to play physically. He can chip in some offensively but will be more relied on for his excellent two-way play. This is both at five-on-five play and the penalty kill where Eller is very effective. Having decent faceoff ability mixed with strong defensive play and physicality can go a long way for a team’s penalty kill. In addition, Eller’s experience and veteran leadership is an invaluable attribute that should help. Not only has he been in the NHL for over a decade but has a Stanley Cup ring after many years with Capitals figuring out how to get there.
Based on relatively recent history, it feels strange to see the Capitals selling at the deadline, but here we are. After moving Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway to Boston Bruins, the Capitals stayed in line with that plan to recoup assets and look forward to the next year (or further). Eller is a player Washington will miss but should provide reliable depth to his new team.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
