Trade sends Bondra to Ottawa

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Five-time NHL All-Star Peter Bondra was traded Wednesday by the Washington Capitals to Ottawa for a minor league player and a future draft pick.

"This is an extremely difficult trade for the organization," said Capitals General Manager George McPhee. "On the ice, Peter played his heart out for the Washington Capitals and off the ice he had time for everyone. We worked hard to make sure that he went to a team that could win the Stanley Cup this year."

Ottawa is tied with Toronto for first place in the NHL's Northeast Division.

Washington received minor league center Brooks Laich and a second-round pick in 2005 for Bondra, who has scored 21 goals and 35 points for the Caps this season.