Capitals acquire Mike Weber from Sabres in exchange for third-round draft pick

Seeking an upgrade to their defensive depth, the Washington Capitals acquired Mike Weber from the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, sending out a third-round draft pick in 2017 to acquire the 28-year-old.

Weber, who has played parts of seven seasons for the Sabres, has appeared in 35 games this season, picking up a goal and four assists. Recently stationed on the Sabres’ third pairing, he carried a $1,666,666 salary cap hit this season, of which Buffalo has elected to retain half.

“We are pleased to welcome Mike to our organization,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement released by the team. “Mike is a stay-at-home defenseman who plays a physical game and is respected by his teammates. We felt it was important to add depth to our blue line by adding another quality veteran defenseman.”

The trade falls in line with what coach Barry Trotz said earlier Tuesday would likely be the Capitals’ strategy before the trade deadline arrives on Feb. 29. Trotz said the Capitals, who are 44-10-4 and have a league-best 92 points, likely wouldn’t make a large addition given the salary cap constraints and a reluctance to disrupt what the team has already accomplished.

“I think probably more in the depth areas,” Trotz said, when asked what the team would address. “Just a little more of the depth, and if we can find a specialist here or there — you always want to grab one of those guys that are sort of a specialist. Whatever — be it a penalty killer, a faceoff guy, whatever that may be. Something like that would be what you’re always looking for.”

The Capitals will not have to make a move to fit Weber on the roster, given that they had been carrying just 22 players, one shy of the roster limit. The roster limit goes away once the deadline passes.

Just last week, defenseman Brooks Orpik returned after missing 40 games because of a broken bone in one of his legs, and Taylor Chorney, who had been in the lineup in Orpik’s absence, was signed to a two-year contract extension.

A second-round pick in 2006, Weber was an alternate captain for the Sabres during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons.

“It’s difficult to trade someone that has been a part of the organization for 10 years, but I think this is a good opportunity for the player and for our organization,” Sabres general Manager Tim Murray said in a statement. “I would like to thank Mike for his time with the Sabres and wish him the best in Washington.”