The Bruins were about to miss the playoffs for the first time in nearly 30 years and needed to make a deal to avoid it. The Capitals were also in the midst of the playoff hunt. On March 1, 1997, Tocchet was sent to the Washington Capitals along with Bruin teammates Adam Oates and Bill Ranford. Despite the deal, neither team qualified for postseason in 1997.

Year	Season	Games	Goals	Assists	Points	PIM
96-97	Regular	13	05	05	10	31
	Playoffs	Washington did not qualify for post season
Totals	Regular	13	6	6	10	31
	Playoffs	0	0	0	0	0