Brooks Laich and Alex Ovechkin had been teammates for nearly ten years with the Washington Capitals, and now as the team looks like a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, the two are being split.
Laich was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs late Sunday in a deal that sent Daniel Winnik to the Capitals. Shortly after word broke about the deal, Washington's captain took to Twitter to wish his longtime friend the best.
Me and u together since my 1st year..We make this team together! Im gonna miss u bro good luck to u!Gonna miss u! β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/feKvUGV6TK
β Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) February 29, 2016
After playing one game for the Ottawa Senators during the 2003-04 season, Laich played his next 742 alongside Ovechkin in Washington, and was long a fan favorite at Verizon Center.
Thanks to @brookslaich for representing the #Caps with class and pride for a dozen years. pic.twitter.com/TEAXjEqYLL
β Washington Capitals (@washcaps) February 29, 2016
With his $4.5 million cap hit limiting the Capitals' options both this season and next, the 32-year-old now moves from the first-place team in the NHL to the last-place Leafs - but some believe he may be as big a part of a Washington championship run regardless of where he's playing.
If the Capitals win this whole thing, they better give Brooks Laich a ring and his day with the Cup.
β Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) February 29, 2016
