The Montreal Canadiens have traded Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals for second-round draft selections in 2017 and 2018, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Friday.
Washington stated its intent to shore up the top six after a disappointing end to what was a record-breaking season, and Eller should be able to provide that upgrade.
He's hit double-digit goal totals in four of his six seasons with Montreal, performing predominantly in a bottom-six capacity. But always thought to have more to provide, he failed to live up to expectations in top-six opportunities.
He will earn $9 million over the next two seasons, but will only cost the Capitals $3.5 million against the salary cap.
The trade directly preceded the announcement that Montreal had acquired Andrew Shaw from the Chicago Blackhawks, also for two second-round draft selections.
