Capitals Swap Defenders With Coyotes

The Washington Capitals traded defenders with the Phoenix Coyotes recently in an effort to improve consistency and discipline. Moving to Washington is Bryan Berard, while Sheldon Souray jets west to Phoenix.

Berard, 29, is a strong player at both ends of the ice. He's good in his own end, and he can help with the offense when needed. Bryan is an excellent passer with good skating and speed. Berard checks in at 6'2" and 218 pounds. He's signed for four years and will be a big help on the Capitals blue line.

Souray, 29, is a hard-hitting defender, but he struggles mightily with his discipline. Too many bad penalties led the Capitals management to look for new options.

"We really like Bryan coming in and think he'll be a big plus. With Bryan and Eaton coming in, I think we have two pretty good pairs out there, and our third pair is solid as well," GM John Henry said during the press conference announcing the acquisition. "Sheldon's a good player and brings a lot to the table, but he tends to take too many penalties. With our club, we need to not be spending too much time in the box, so when Phoenix came along with this offer, it was a no brainer on our part."

Berard will wear number 37, and he is expected to be in the lineup when Washington travels to St. Louis on Day 12.