Caps agree a trade in ‘best interests' of both parties

Winger Peter Bondra and the Capitals have agreed that trading him this summer is in the best interest of both parties.

Bondra met with GM George McPhee recently to ask for a trade, something sources said the team had planned to do anyway.

“I've been here io years and enjoyed playing for Washington, and now I feel it is time to move on,” Bondra, 32, told the Washington Post. “The team is getting younger here, and I'll look at my future with my agent and we'll see where I am going. George agreed to be fair to us and give me a chance to play for a more contending team. That what I'm looking for.”

McPhee declined to comment on Bondra, although he is fielding calls from other teams about him. If the Capitals are unable to strike what they feel is a fair deal for Bondra, he could be back for the final year of his contract, worth about $3.9 million. That seems highly unlikely at this point.

Bondra's salary will deter some teams that may be interested and his unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2001, could be a concern. The Capitals, for instance, would not have retained him at such a salary.

“I hope I'm going to get a better chance to play more,” Bondra said. “I look forward to that. I just feel like it's time to move on. I have always wondered what it's like to get traded, and I never know that feeling. Now I think I will know.”