The Washington Capitals have claimed Marco Sturm off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings, adding some depth to their offense -- you know, if Sturm can stay healthy.
Sturm was traded from Boston to the Kings earlier this season after struggling mightily with the Bruins. He suffered from lingering knee issues and never really was able to settle in with Los Angeles. They placed him on waivers mostly for salary cap reasons in order to potentially make a deadline move. Sturm makes a hefty $3.5 million this season.
The Kings probably hoped he would go unclaimed, though, as he played on their top line recently and fit in well during their recent East Coast road trip that boosted them back towards the top of the Western Conference standings.
It's a good move for the Capitals, though. They can afford his pro-rated salary and he adds some much needed scoring depth to the squad -- again, as long as he's healthy. Those knee injuries can flare up at any time, but considering it's a waiver claim and they didn't give anything to get Sturm, it's definitely the classic low-rish, high-reward scenario.
To make room, the Capitals waived tough guy D.J. King.
For more on the Caps, check in with Japers' Rink.