Jason Arnott to Washington

Lou Lamoriello was not able to replace the pick that he swapped to Nashville for Jason Arnott,but he was able to talk Arnott into accepting a waiver of his no-trade clause as the Devils shipped the veteran center to Washington for a second rounder in 2012 along with David Steckel.
The former Ohio State Buckeye scored five goals with six assists for Washington this season,but ranks as the league's top faceoff man in winning just under 65 percent of his faceoffs this season.
Steckel also was a key part of the Capitals penalty killing unit.
Steckel is under contract for two more years at a very reasonable 1.2 million per season.

Jason Arnott started strong this season when the Devils were struggling,but has seen his play tail off as of late.
Arnott was a disappointment for the most to Devils fans after the team swapped a 2011 second round pick and minor league winger Matt Halischuk to return the veteran to New Jersey.
Arnott should be able to help Washington in their annual attempt to go over the top.

Overall,I like the deal,although some disappointment in the team not getting a second rounder in 2011,but the 2012 pick might be a bigger deal in the long term. as the Devils will eventually have to cash a first rounder for the Ilya Kovalchuk incident.
Steckel should come right in as a third or fourth line center and step right in as the teams main faceoff man,which has become a weakness lately that was very noticeable in the loss to Tampa.
The second rounder will help some in 2012 and Steckel could be the linchpin of some of the team speciality units at a reasonable price.
Plus he is a Buckeye!!!!!

Possibly back later...