Michael Nylander assigned to Grand Rapids Griffins for conditioning.

It was only a matter of time before the Washington Capitals looked to move centerman, Michael Nylander, who has not made a start this year and hardly factored into last year's playoffs.

Nylander has been seeming increasingly inadequate for Bruce Boudreau's high paced, aggressive forechecking style. At 37 years old, Nylander has had a hard time keeping up with the youth of the team, however a no move clause has prevented the Capitals from dumping him sooner. Earlier in the week, Dynamo Moscow had shown interest in Nylander, however they had some concerns about his conditioning. The Capitals solution? Rather than use precious space in their already ridiculously deep AHL system in Hershey, the Capitals sent him to Grand Rapids, the Red Wings AHL team. Nylander didn't have to clear waivers because the Capitals sent him down for conditioning.

I hope this works out well for Nylander, I don't like watching a guy sit on the bench when it's pretty clear he still has a few years left in him. Nylander has spent tenures with the Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and two tenures with the Washington Capitals. At his best, he's a great playmaking center, at worst, he's the Capitals current headache. Russia is the only place Nylander has said he'd waive his no trade clause for, so Capitals nation was ecstatic to hear about Dynamo Moscow's interest.

Now the waiting game continues, provided Nylander can be productive in his conditioning, the Capitals may finally be able to get their big contract off their backs, here's hoping for the best for all parties involved.