"During the NHL's annual buyout period, teams like the New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers parted ways with veterans with big, long-term contracts. But among Chris Drury, Sheldon Souray and other big names, the Washington Capitals went through the process with 30-year-old defenseman Tyler Sloan on June 30.

It was considered by some a curious move given that Sloan will count $233,333 against the cap in each of the next two seasons — instead of nothing if he was in Hershey.

Now, we know why.

Unhappy with his spot — often spent in the press box — with the Caps, Sloan asked for a trade as far back as the trade deadline, his agent, Jeff Helperl, told The Washington Times on Friday.

"He wanted to get to a spot that he could play," Helperl said. "He was always used as a seventh or eighth defenseman."

George McPhee was cooperative but could not find a taker."