Per NHL.com:
The Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Scott Hannan from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for center Tomas Fleischmann on Tuesday.
The Caps felt they needed a big, physical defender and are getting just that in Hannan. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound bruiser turned 31 in January and was in the middle of his fourth season with the Avs after spending the first eight seasons of his career with the San Jose Sharks. He has been among the Avs’ leaders in hits and blocked shots over the past few years.
Hannan came at a price, as Fleischmann was beginning to emerge as a reliable scorer with the Caps. The 26-year-old was off to a slow start this season with just 4 goals in 23 games, but he had 19 goals two seasons ago and 23 last season.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank Scott Hannan for his services to our organization and wish him the best,” said Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman. “In Tomas we are acquiring a top-six forward who is only 26 years old. His addition will bolster our lineup immediately.”
The Avs’ next game is Tuesday at home against the Atlanta Thrashers at 10 p.m. ET. The Capitals will be in St. Louis to face the Blues on Wednesday night at 8 p.m.
