The Washington Capitals have traded underachieving center/wing to the Colorado Avalanche for defensive defenseman Scott Hannan. The two teams have reportedly been in talks since August, and were finally able to get a deal accomplished. Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents after this season.
Trade rumors involving Fleischmann have been making the rounds since the trade deadline last spring. They heated up during the offseason, when it is believed that the fall through of a trade involving Fleischmann was the reason Eric Belanger ultimately was not re-signed by the team.
The Capitals had been wearing a little thin in defensive depth, and this trade allows them to feel more comfortable with that. Instead of having to rely on inexperience call-ups like Brian Fahey, the Caps will have an 11-year veteran to help pick up the slack.
