Capitals Acquire Right Wing Richard Zednik

The Washington Capitals have acquired right wing Richard Zednik from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a third-round draft pick in the 2007 Entry Draft, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

“Richard played very well when he was in Washington, and we look forward to him rejoining the team,” said McPhee. “He is very competitive and brings excellent outside speed.”

Zednik, 30, was Washington’s 10th choice, 249th overall, in the 1994 Entry Draft. The 6’0”, 200-pound native of Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, spent most of his first six professional seasons with the Capitals, notching 116 points (63 goals, 53 assists) in 257 games. Zednik was traded to Montreal, March 13, 2001, and posted 98 goals and 85 assists for 183 points in 322 games for the Canadiens during five seasons.

"I had some really good years in Washington in the beginning of my career and now I'm excited to come back as a veteran," said Zednik.

In 579 NHL games Zednik has scored 161 goals and notched 138 assists for 299 points and posted 456 penalty minutes. He has scored 19 or more goals five times in his career, including 31 goals in 2002-03.