The Washington Capitals acquired Carl Hagelin from the Los Angeles Kings, Thursday afternoon. It’s the second time Hagelin has been traded this season.

In his first public comments since being dealt, Hagelin spoke to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet about his happiness joining the Caps.

“I’m really excited! It feels great going to a team that good and to get the chance to play playoff hockey again”, the 30-year old forward said to Per Bjurman in a Swedish language interview.

The two time Stanley Cup champion has been involved in three trades before, but this time he kind of expected it.

“I always knew I might be traded again when I went to LA, since I’m on an expiring contract and there’s been a lot of buzz lately,” Hagelin said. “In previous trades it came at me kind of sudden, but not this time. I knew something was about to happen.”

As part of both the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hagelin have faced the Capitals during six of his seven postseason campaigns.

“I must have made some kind of impression on them!” he laughed. “They’re a really good team, defending champions who always has the opportunity to go far in the playoffs.

“I’ve played these guys so many times it feels like I already know them” Hagelin continued. “I know Backy from before, he’s a friend outside of the ice. A really great guy, I’m looking forward to playing with him”.

Hagelin will join his new teammates in Buffalo tomorrow and will make his Caps debut on Saturday afternoon against the Sabres.

Headline photo: Justin K. Aller