Dancin' Anson Sent Packing

In a recent trade with the Los Angeles Kings, the Washington Capitals acquired young winger Michael Woodford and two draft picks in exchange for aging veteran Anson Carter and reserve defender Michal Rozsival.

Woodford, 24, played just nine games last season in LA and is a promising prospect for the future. He has solid speed an intensity and an excellent scoring touch. Michael will start the season on the farm, but could see time with the big club.

Carter, 32, was not happy with the idea of playing on the third of fourth line in Washington and requested a trade two weeks ago. The veteran right wing played well for the Caps last season, scoring 27 goals and dishing out 30 assists in 82 games. Despite the strong play, he was slotted behind Cheechoo, Warriner, and Tenkrat on the right side, and with Cheechoo's $10,010,000 contract, the club needed to move a salary.

Rozsival, 28, also played well in limited time last year with Washington. In 58 games the defender scored three goals and passed out 20 assists, but he also found himself well down the depth chart entering the new campaign.

Washington is still trying to make room for Greg Watson and Ivan Rachunek on the big club. To move those two up, more salary will need to be shed. Look for Mikael Renberg and Peter Tenkrat to potentially be on the move. There are also rumors circling that GM John Henry is quietly listening to offers for superstar defender Rob Blake.