A busy summer began in earnest for the Capitals on Tuesday as the organization signed 22-year-old defenseman Mike Green to a four-year contract and a endured a major shake up at the goaltender position.
Goalie Cristobal Huet, who was acquired at the trade deadline Feb. 26 and promptly led the Caps to the playoffs for the first time in five years, unexpectedly signed a four-year, $5.635 million-per-season average contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Caps immediately signed free-agent goalie Jose Theodore, 32, to a two-year, $9 million deal. The former Vezina Trophy winner and NHL MVP had a comeback season last year with the Colorado Avalanche with 28 wins and a 2.44 GAA.
“It got to the point with Cristobal where the term was too long and the number was too high,” said Caps general manager George McPhee, who noted the Caps matched Huet’s asking price before the goalie chose to negotiate with other teams once the free-agent signing period opened yesterday. “We think we signed someone who is every bit as good a goalie for less money.”
A prime target for a lucrative offer sheet from other NHL teams, Green instead opted to re-sign with Washington for $5.25 million per season. His 18 goals led all NHL defensemen and he placed seventh in final voting for the Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s top defenseman.
“There is a little bit of pressure,” Green said. “But it also takes some of the pressure off. You know you’re where you want to be. … There’s a lot of unfinished business here in Washington.”
