Ovechkin, Capitals take to Twitter to wish Laich good luck in Toronto

Brooks Laich and Alex Ovechkin had been teammates for nearly ten years with the Washington Capitals, and now as the team looks like a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, the two are being split.

Laich was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs late Sunday in a deal that sent Daniel Winnik to the Capitals. Shortly after word broke about the deal, Washington's captain took to Twitter to wish his longtime friend the best.

Me and u together since my 1st year..We make this team together! Im gonna miss u bro good luck to u!Gonna miss u! ai pic.twitter.com/feKvUGV6TK

- Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) February 29, 2016

After playing one game for the Ottawa Senators during the 2003-04 season, Laich played his next 742 alongside Ovechkin in Washington, and was long a fan favorite at Verizon Center.

Thanks to @brookslaich for representing the #Caps with class and pride for a dozen years. pic.twitter.com/TEAXjEqYLL

- Washington Capitals (@washcaps) February 29, 2016

With his $4.5 million cap hit limiting the Capitals' options both this season and next, the 32-year-old now moves from the first-place team in the NHL to the last-place Leafs - but some believe he may be as big a part of a Washington championship run regardless of where he's playing.

If the Capitals win this whole thing, they better give Brooks Laich a ring and his day with the Cup.

- Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) February 29, 2016

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