The Washington Capitals traded David Steckel and a 2nd round pick to the New Jersey Devils for veteran center Jason Arnott. The move certainly doesn’t tip the balance of power in the Eastern conference either way, but it does give Washington a useful second line center with plenty of experience.
For the Devils, Arnott was likely to walk after this year anyway so getting a decent player in return like Steckel is probably worthwhile. Steckel is known as an exceptional faceoff man, so New Jersey gets some help there.
The Devlis also save a little money this year by getting Arnott’s $4.5 million salary off the books, while adding Steckel who makes $1.1 million this season and next.