Capitals Acquire Ryan Bourque from the New York

Photo: BlueshirtsUnited

The Washington Capitals have acquired forward Ryan Bourque from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Chris Brown, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.

From the Washington Capitals: Bourque, 25, appeared in one game with the Rangers, making his NHL debut on April 9, 2015 against Ottawa. Bourque tallied 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 55 games with the Wolf Pack (AHL) this season, ranking tied for fourth on the team in goals and points. Bourque established a career-high in assists (20) in 2014-15 and set career-highs in games played (74), goals (21), points (37) and plus/minus (+16) in 2013-14. The 5’9”, 185-pound forward registered 122 points (57 goals, 65 assists) in 325 career AHL games with Hartford

The Boxford, Mass., native won a gold medal with Team USA at 2010 World Junior Championship and captured a bronze medal with the United States at the 2011 World Junior Championship. Bourque was selected by the Rangers in the third round, 80th overall, in the 2009 NHL Draft.

It’s a straight swap. Caps wanted depth, a guy like Zach Sill that could go up and down, GMBM said. There you go.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 29, 2016

Brown was acquired in the trade that sent Martin Erat to the Arizona Coyotes at the 2013 NHL Trade Deadline. He played in just 12 games with the Caps and registered one two goals and one assist.

Brown, 25, earned three points (two goals, one assist) in 23 career NHL games with Arizona and Washington. Brown tallied nine points (three goals, six assists) in 20 games with Hershey (AHL) this season and has earned 124 points (65 goals, 59 assists) in 215 career AHL games with Hershey and Portland.

Not saying the Caps are necessarily done, but MacLellan said he wanted a guy who could go up and down. This could be that.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) February 29, 2016

Ryan will report directly to Hershey where he will be re-united with his brother Chris Bourque, who was signed this year and is also in the Capitals organization, with the Hershey Bears.