Athan Iannucci Traded to the Washington Stealth for Paul Rabil: Reaction

While researching the rumored trade of Athan Iannucci, a fellow reporter texted me that the deal was to Washington for Paul Rabil. I dismissed it. I did not believe that Washington, who refused to trade Jeff Moleski for him two weeks ago, would make that deal.

Well, it's true. Athan Iannucci has been traded to the Washington Stealth for Paul Rabil and a second round pick. After the circus that ensued today with rumors of Buffalo and Calgary, it ends up being the team that has been connected to him for the past two weeks.

The deal is a done deal, pending league approval. Iannucci was traded to Edmonton from the Philadelphia Wings for Brodie Merrill this late summer, but he would not sign with the Rush. Since then, he has been on the trade market, including the rumored deal to Washington for Matt Beers and Curtis Hodgeson.

The Stealth have struggled this season at 1-4, with one of their best players in Jeff Zywicki injured long term. Their top scorers Rhys Duch and Lewis Ratcliff have struggled at times this season as well. The Rush essentially acquire the best offensive transition man in the league in Rabil for a player who has not yet played this season.

Iannucci is the league's all time leader for most goals in a season (71 in 2008) but has struggled since tearing up his knee in summer ball. He returned to form with the Langley Thunder this summer before refusing to sign in Edmonton. Now it seems like he will play in the NLL this season, but it will be with a different western conference club.

The teams have not officially announced the deal yet but it has been confirmed by multiple sources in multiple media outlets. Watch for the official press release as soon as we get it.