Former Capital Brooks Laich Says Return to Washington The Most Humbling Moment of His NHL Career

Alex Brandon/Assocaited Press

Former NHL forward Brooks Laich spent 12 seasons with the Capitals after being acquired by the team in 2003 during their mid-2000’s rebuild. Over his career with the team, Laich cemented himself as a fan favorite before being traded by the team prior to the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Kings last season, Laich has not returned to the NHL. While his time with the Caps may be over, it’s clear the 35-year old looks back on his time with the Caps fondly.

In a recent Q&A with followers on Twitter, Laich was asked what the most humbling moment of his NHL career was. Laich responded by saying the tribute and ovation from the Capitals and fans at Capital One Arena (then known as Verizon Center) was unquestionably at the top of his list.

The reception from the fans in DC when I came back after I was traded! Remember it as long as I live! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/KAr3y7AiE4

— Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) October 30, 2018

Laich was acquired by the Capitals in 2003 in a trade with the Ottawa Senators, one that also involved Capitals franchise legend Peter Bondra. Over the following 12 years, Laich would play a key role in helping the Caps return to playoff prominence, helping the team to multiple division titles and a Presidents’ Trophy in 2009-10. Laich’s status as a fan favorite was cemented following the Capitals’ devastating Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he stopped to help a mother and daughter who had broken down on the side of the road. In 776 NHL games, Laich scored 134 goals and added 198 assists for 332 points. Of those totals, 742 games, 133 goals, 191 assists, and 324 came in a Capitals sweater.

Laich was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs shortly before the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline along with defenseman Connor Carrick and a second-round pick for forward Daniel Winnik and a fifth-round draft pick. Laich ranks ninth on the Capitals’ All-Time Games Played List (742), 23rd in Points (324), seventh in Shorthanded Goals (10), and ninth in Shots (1,423).

#caps fans & teammates have been so supportive/amazing to @brookslaich over the last 12 yrs! So grateful to have shared in the experience!

— Julianne Hough (@juliannehough) March 3, 2016