The Washington Capitals wanted Philipp Grubauer out of the Metropolitan Division and turned down a better trade offer from the Carolina Hurricanes to ensure that happened, reports Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.
The Hurricanes offered up their second-round pick - 42nd overall - and were also willing to take on veteran defenseman Brooks Orpik's $5.5-million salary to obtain Grubauer, but the Capitals preferred to send the netminder to an opponent outside of their division.
They ultimately shipped Grubauer, alongside Orpik, to the Colorado Avalanche for the 47th selection. Given Colorado is in the opposite conference, Washington will only face the goaltender twice next season if he suits up for both games.
The Avalanche signed Grubauer to a three-year extension Saturday reportedly worth $3.33 million per season.
