The Washington Capitals have had a disappointing season, marked by injuries and a drop in performance. Despite an impressive December that secured them a playoff spot, their fortunes have declined in 2023. As a result, they became sellers for the Trade Deadline, retooling their team with younger, NHL-ready players.
Although they are not undergoing a full rebuild, the Capitals have made moves to strengthen their roster. One such move was a trade with the Maple Leafs, which involved giving up a first-round pick they received from the Boston Bruins and veteran defenceman Erik Gustaffson. In exchange, the Capitals received Rasmus Sandin, a trade that already appears to be paying off.
Rasmus Sandin has his first goal with the @Capitals! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1AYGgW8z3J— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 7, 2023
In just 52 games played with the Leafs this season, he managed to score 20 points. Since joining the Washington Capitals, he has already scored 5 points in his first 2 games, making him the first defenceman in Capitals history to do so.
This is a noteworthy accomplishment, especially given the team's history of possessing highly skilled offensive defencemen.
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