Erat Traded to Washington

The Washington Capitals made a surprising trade just before Wednesday's deadline, acquiring scoring forward Martin Erat from the Nashville Predators for top prospect Filip Forsberg. Erat figures to provide scoring depth for the surging Capitals (17-17-2), who entered Wednesday just two points behind the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the Southeast Division.

Washington also received minor league forward Michael Latta in the deal. The 31-year-old Erat, who has spent his entire 12-year career in Nashville, has four goals and 17 assists in 36 games this season. "It is always difficult to trade a player who was drafted, developed and who has produced for the franchise for many years such as Martin Erat," Predators general manager David Poile said in a statement released by the team. "We thank Martin for all his contributions to the Predators' success over the years and wish him and his family the best in Washington."

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/9130960/martin-erat-traded-washington-capitals-nashville-predators-filip-forsberg