Arnott No Longer A Devil

To Washington Capitals:
Jason Arnott 

To New Jersey Devils:
David Steckel
Second-Round Pick in the 2012 draft








Review:
The Capitals rounded out their day by getting a veteran Center that will finally fill out their 2nd line C role that has been vacant for so long. This deal provides them with a player that will be a huge asset to their locker room and on the ice. He also will help out their struggling power play as he is able to take over the point effectively on the man advantage. At 36, he is still able to put up a good amount of points as so far this season he has had 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points. Arnott is in his last year on his contract so in all likely hood he will be a rental just for the rest of this season for the Caps. From that perspective they did have to pay a lot but I am sure they are satisfied with nailing their target. The player moved in return to the Devils was big 6'5 Center David Steckel. Steckel is one of the best face-off men in the entire NHL as he leads all players that have taken more than 50 face-offs, in face-off percentage with a 63.7% and a record of 427-243. His point production is not huge, through 57 games this season he has only put up 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points, but his game is well rounded in all zones. In addition to Steckel, the Devils received a 2nd Round Draft Pick in 2012 in this deal which really makes it a very strong swap for both sides. 


Winner Short-Term: Capitals, they got a seasoned player who will be important going forward. But this is not saying the Devils were screwed in the short term as Steckel will make a big impact with this club.


Winner Long-Term: Devils for sure, they get a terrific 28 year old bottom 6 forward and a 2nd Round Draft Pick for a player in Arnott that might only be playing a few more months of hockey. Terrific return for the Devils.