Capitals sign Matt Niskanen to 7-year, $40.25-million contract
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The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Matt Niskanen, one of the biggest fish available in this year's free agent pond.
Seven years, $40.25M for Niskanen in WSH. $5.75M AAV.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2014
Niskanen's deal is also believed to include a partial no-trade clause.
The 27-year-old defenseman was one of the most sought after free agents after breaking out to the tune of 10 goals and 36 assists from the Pittsburgh Penguins blue line in 2013-14. Niskanen also attempted 354 shots on goal and recorded 162 shots, good for 25th among all NHL defensemen.
Niskanen was acquired by the Penguins, along with James Neal, from the Dallas Stars - the team that picked him 28th overall in the 2005 NHL Draft - in February 2011, despite recording 26 and 35 points in his first two seasons in the League, respectively.
In three full seasons in Pittsburgh, Niskanen proved to be a positive possession defenseman with an ability to play in all situations, and the outburst of offensive production only served to boost his value as an unrestricted free agent.