Player left with an 'empty feeling' after losing his chance at a Cup.

Brooks Laich got into a slump at the worst possible point, and because of that fact he missed out on his chance at a Stanley Cup.

Despite extended conversations with Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan, Laich was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline.

''I had conversations with management and I told them that I wanted to be part of it,'' Laich said. ''Unfortunately, it didn't work out.''

After 742 games in 12 seasons in Washington, the 32-year old forward came to the harsh realization that his former teammates may finally win the Stanley Cup, while he sits with a team that ranks dead last in the NHL.

''I have such an empty feeling that I never got the ultimate goal,'' Laich said Wednesday after the Maple Leafs' morning skate back at his old home arena, Verizon Center. ''I really wanted to do it with Alex, I really wanted to do it with Nicky and really wanted to do it with Mike Green, who unfortunately wasn't back this year.''

Laich is having a rough season, making MacLellan's decision to trade Laich a no-brainer. Laich is making $4.5 million this season and has 1 goal and 6 assists in 60 games.

However, the decision was not an easy one for MacLellan. Sending a player as respected as Laich from first to worst was not something he wanted to do, but had to to keep the train rolling.

''You want him to be a part. He's earned it,'' MacLellan said. ''I know he likes the team and we're a good team going forward, and it's frustrating, but we had to do what's necessary to keep the organization, to keep the team going forward here.''

One man who may miss Laich most of all is Alex Ovechkin, who has been part of many playoff runs with him. Now what may be the most successful of them all will be without his longtime friend.

''It's only me and him was (here) since my first year,'' Ovechkin said. ''Right now it's only me ... who's been (here) since the beginning.''

Laich also spoke fondly of his teammates, and wished them the best on their quest, even if he won't be a part of it.

''They've had such a huge impact on my life and I'm so grateful and thankful for them not only as friends but as teammates, colleagues,'' Laich said. ''They're lifelong friends. We grew up together and I'm always thankful for them and I will always wish them the best.''

It's an unfortunate situation for him. Hopefully he will acclimatize himself to Toronto soon and get over the sting of missing out on an elusive Cup.

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