The Washington Capitals acquired centerman Zach Hamill from the Boston Bruins in exchange for left winger Chris Bourque, the Caps announced Saturday.



Bourque, the son of Bruins legend Ray Bourque, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and wasn't expected to re-sign with the Washington organization.

“The trade gives Boston the rights to negotiate a contract with him [before July 1]," Hershey Bears President-GM Doug Yingst said.

Hamill, now a candidate for Hershey's 2012-13 roster, is a restricted free agent. Thus, Washington will have to make him a qualifying contract offer to retain his rights.

“We end up getting an asset out of it," Yingst said.

“Chris left us know that he wanted to play in the National Hockey League. He wasn’t interested in coming back to the organization. He wants one more shot at the NHL. We wish him the best of luck. If it doesn’t work out, I’m sure we’ll try to negotiate in the future.”

The 23-year-old Hamill, a 5-11, 180-pounder, had eight goals and 13 assists in 41 games in 2011-12 with the Providence Bruins. Hamill, the eighth overall pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft, also had two assists in 16 games with Boston.

His best AHL season was in 2009-10 (14-30-44 in 75 games). He has played 20 career NHL games.

Bourque, 26, is tied with Michel Harvey for No. 14 on Hershey's all-time points list (393). He ranks ninth in all-time Hershey assists (262).

Hamill produced a goal and two assists for the P-Bruins in the 2008-09 Eastern Conference finals against Hershey. The Bears won the series in five games en route to the Calder Cup.

"He’s a smart player, steady, plays both ends of the ice very well, defensively responsible," Yingst said. "He’s more of a passer than a shooter.”

Hamill (276 games) will be an exempt veteran in 2012-13 (more than 260, less than 321). But, since Patrick McNeill (278) also is an exempt veteran, Hershey won't necessarily have roster room to dress five additional veterans.

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