Washington Capitals forward Martin Erat confirmed Monday he has asked for a trade. He initially expressed his wish to be traded in an interview with the iDNES Czech news organization before confirming his request to reporters in the United States.

Erat was acquired from the Nashville Predators at the 2013 NHL Trade Deadline in exchange for prospect Filip Forsberg. In 23 games this season, Erat has no goals and six assists. He has spent some time on the Capitals' fourth line and expressed frustration about his ice time.

"Since Day One, I didn't get the chance here," Erat said. "It's time for me to move on."

Erat has two seasons remaining after this one on a seven-year contract he signed with the Predators. He carries a salary-cap charge of $4.5 million per season. Erat has a no-movement clause, but Capitals general manager George McPhee said he has been very flexible regarding that.

"Marty doesn't feel like he fits in here," McPhee said. "If you don't feel like you fit in, we'll try to accommodate you."