In Puck Daddy’s 2011 NHL Trade Deadline Report Card, Greg Wyshynski felt that the Capitals general manager George McPhee attacked the trade deadline and added three valuable players in Marco Sturm, Dennis Wideman and Jason Arnott.
With an undeniable need at center since last postseason, and with Mike Green out at last two weeks with an injury, these were essential moves from a personnel standpoint. As a kick in the ass for a team that hasn’t played to its potential, may be even more important. GRADE: A-
McPhee discussed the moves on Monday afternoon in a post conference at the Kettler Ice Complex.
In Arnott, the Capitals get a much needed second line center that brings playoff experience as the Capitals play towards winning the Stanley Cup. Though he’s had a streaky season, Arnott certainly offers more than either Mathieu Perreault or Marcus Johansson playing along side Alex Semin and Brooks Laich.
