The first night of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft was an eventful one for the Washington Capitals, with the team making two first round selections and also trading for a second line center in Mike Ribeiro of the Dallas Stars. It appears the team was also looking to shore up their center depth by trading for Jordan Staal of the Penguins, before acquiring Ribeiro, but Pittsburgh said Staal was not available.

Via Mike Vogel of washingtoncaps.com:

#Caps inquired about Jordan Staal's availability on Thursday after hearing he turned down contract. Were told that he wasn't available.

— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) June 23, 2012

Staal had reportedly turned down a 10-year contract extension from Pittsburgh, and was in fact subsequently dealt to the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. Staal will get to play alongside his brother in Carolina, and it's safe to say the healthy rivalry between Pittsburgh and Washington probably played a role in where Staal ultimately ended up.

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