The Ottawa Rebel today traded forward Del Halladay to the Washington Power for a first-round pick in next summer's entry draft, in a trade possibility first reported by the Outsider's Guide four days ago.

The franchise's alltime leader in goals, assists, and points scored, Halladay led the Rebel in assists (30) and points (53) last season. His eight power-play goals tied for the team lead in 2001, matching the similarly-departed Kris Bryde and Bruce Alexander. Halladay placed third on the team in loose balls recovered, tied for second in penalty minutes, scored the Rebel's only game-winning goal of 2001, and was the only member of the team to play in all fourteen games a year ago.

How much of a factor was Halladay in the team's offense the past four years? Consider: he never finished worst than second on the Smash (1998-2000) or Rebel (2001) in goals scored, and he never finished worst than third in assists.

Halladay's trade is the final strike in excising just about every major offensive weapon the Rebel had last season. Alexander is now with the Montreal Express, and Bryde with the Columbus Landsharks; both departed via trade. The three combined for nearly forty-four percent (63 of 144) of the Rebel's goals in 2001, and almost forty percent (70 of 176) of its assists.

With the Power, Halladay joins a team chock full of snipers, playing alongside Gary Gait, Paul Gait, Jesse Hubbard, and Matt Shearer.

"Del is a great addition to the Power," Power president and GM Steve Govett said. "He showed he is not only a great player but also a leader in Ottawa. We are looking forward to seeing him move right in and contribute."