Capitals Acquire Dennis Wideman for Jake Hauswirth, Draft Pick

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have acquired defenseman Dennis Wideman in exchange for prospect center Jake Hauswirth and a third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. Wideman has one more year left on his current contract and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, while Hauswirth has one more year remaining on his entry-level deal. In 61 games so far this season, Wideman has nine goals and 24 assists for 33 points, while Hauswirth has 10 goals and four assists for 14 points in 37 games with South Carolina of the ECHL. Not a bad move for the Capitals, as Wideman will bring lots of offensive depth to the team's blueline. He can also log lots of minutes and is good on the power play. With Mike Green currently sidelined indefinitely with a head injury, the need for another offensive blueliner in Washington was important. For the Panthers, they get a marginal prospect in Hauswirth who has some bottom-six forward skill, but is still a few seasons away from landing a regular NHL roster spot.

Panthers Deal Nathan Horton to Boston

The Florida Panthers announced today that they have shipped forwards Nathan Horton and Greg Campbell to the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Dennis Wideman, the 15th overall pick in the 2010 Entry Draft, and a third round pick in 2011. Horton's name had begun popping up in trade rumors since the end of the season and more recently his name had been connected with the Bruins. In 65 games last season with the Panthers, Horton had 20 goals and 37 assists for 57 points. He missed 17 games with a fractured leg. In 422 career NHL games, all with the Panthers, he has 142 goals and 153 assists for 295 points. Campbell appeared in 60 games last season with the Panthers, scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points and 53 penalty minutes. In 76 games last season with the Bruins, Wideman scored six goals and 24 assists for 30 points. He also added one goal and 11 assists in 13 playoff games. In 378 career NHL games with the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins, he has 46 goals and 119 assists for 165 points.

This is a great move for the Bruins, as Horton is a very skilled forward who has great goal-scoring abilities. He will likely play alongside Marc Savard on the Bruins' first line, which will give them the scoring punch that they have been looking for. Campbell gives the Bruins a gritty, defensive minded forward who is good on the penalty kill. He should be a good fit on their third line. Wideman brings the Panthers a decent puck-moving defenseman who can score goals and excels on the power play. With Bryan McCabe, Keith Ballard, and now Wideman on the blueline, the Panthers boast plenty of offensive contributors on defense and should be much improved in that area next season.