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Washington Capitals: Is This The End For Brooks Laich?

By Dylan Botelho

Nov 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals center Brooks Laich (21) and left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) warm up before playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals center Brooks Laich (21) and left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) warm up before playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Long-time Capitals and fan-favorite Brooks Laich’s time with the Maple Leafs has gone disastrously wrong.  The Leafs placed Laich on waivers Tuesday afternoon.

Let us not forget Brooks Laich. Laich was the Capitals longest tenured player before being traded for Daniel Winnik last season to the Leafs. It was a heartbreaking move that the organization had to make.

It was unfortunate for Laich, who moved from a Stanley Cup contender to an orginization in the midst of a rebuild. Laich was a favorite for all in the D.C. area, Capitals fan or not.

Almost exactly a year after the trade, Laich’s time with the Maple Leafs is officially over. According to his agent, his time with Toronto was “horrible”.

Laich wasn’t given much time in the NHL until he was sent down to the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Marlies.

It’s no surprise Laich would be upset when forced to play in the AHL. After a long 14 years, Laich only has one thing left to accomplish… win that elusive Stanley Cup.

Laich told the Athletic after Marlies practice, “You don’t win a Stanley Cup playing in the American League. If the Leafs don’t have a plan for me with them then I would like to pursue a Stanley Cup somewhere else.”

So, the Leafs followed suit and waived Laich on Tuesday. Laich firmly believes he can still produce for an NHL squad, and not just any team… a Stanley Cup contender.

His play has significantly dropped off though, which is why the Leafs likely parted ways with him rather than keeping him on board. Laich’s numbers don’t seem like he could be a fit on a contender. In 22 games with Marlies, Laich only tallied a total of 6 points.

With a salary cap of $4.5 million, Laich also wouldn’t be a cheap addition if a team would claim him.

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No matter what comes of Laich in the next few weeks, he will forever hold a place in all Capitals fans hearts. A reliable player for all 14 seasons, Brooks Laich is a name that deserves it’s place forever on the Stanley Cup. Best of luck to Brooks in the future, we’ll never forget him!

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