Capitals sign Holtby to 5-year, $30.5-million contract extension

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The Washington Capitals have re-signed goaltender Braden Holtby.

The two sides agreed on a five-year contract extension worth $30.5 million.

"Braden emerged as a top NHL goaltender and we are pleased to sign him to a long-term contract," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said.

"We feel Braden is just entering his prime and in his young career has already established himself as one of the best goaltenders in the history of our franchise. He is an athletic goaltender with a tremendous work ethic and is a big part of our future."

Holtby posted a 41-20-10 record with a 2.22 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage last season. His peripherals improved in the playoffs despite a 6-7 record, as he crafted a 1.71 GAA and .944 save percentage in 13 contests.

The 25-year-old, who took on a heavier workload than other goaltenders last season, conceded he was indeed playing for a contract. But that doesn't mean his motivation will wane.

"Last year, it was trying to prove yourself for a contract. This year it’s trying to prove the contract you've got," Holtby said in a conference call.

"I don't want to prove the numbers. I want to prove my value to the organization and to win a Cup," he added.

He reportedly requested $8 million per season in salary arbitration, while the team offered $5.1 million.

Here's the year-by-year breakdown of Holtby's contract beginning in 2015-16, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman:

Holtby's annual cap hit will be $6.1 million for the life of the deal.