The Washington Capitals have made their first acquisition during the post-season. GM George McPhee has sent Chris Bourque (26 year-old winger and the leading point producer in the AHL last season) to the Boston Bruins for Zach Hamill (the 8th overall pick in the 2007 draft). The Caps swapped an undersized wing, who is just 5'8, that has been a great point producer at the AHL level--but has never been given a decent shot at the NHL level--for a slightly undersized center, at 5'10, who hasn't really lived up to expectations for a player selected in the top ten of the draft.
All in all I'd consider the trade a wash. Bourque will have a chance to play for the same team that his father spent so much time with, which is great, and the Caps will add another center to their line-up or at the very least to Hershey's line-up.
Both players' contracts are expiring this offseason, and in all likelihood Chris Borque was not going to re-sign with the Caps and as a UFA the Caps would recieve zero compensation. Hamill is a restricted free agent meaning that once he has been qualified, at a lofty price of over $800,000, he can stay with the Caps and even if another team presents and offer sheet,we can either match it and keep him or receive a draft pick or two. After Hamill's 16 game season this year, he could potentially be with the Caps next season - the most games Bourque has ever played in a season was 21, in 09-10 with the Penguins (plus one game that season with the Caps). Since then he has not played a game in the NHL.
CATP wishes Bourque all the best. Welcome to the organisation, Zach Hamill - now we have two Hammers!
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