Capitals Sign Backstrom to 10-Year Contract Extension

The Washington Capitals locked up an important piece of their future on Monday by signing center Nicklas Backstrom to a 10-year contract worth $67 million. The deal averages out to $6.7 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1 and would have been a prime target for an offer sheet. In all 82 games last season with the Capitals, Backstrom scored 33 goals and 68 assists for 101 points. He added five goals and four assists for nine points in seven playoff games this season. In 246 career NHL games, all with the Capitals, he has 69 goals and 189 assists for 258 points. This is a great signing for the Capitals, as Backstrom has quickly become one of the team's top forwards over the past few seasons. He's a great passer, has great sense on the ice, excels on the power play, and can score goals. Plus, at $6.7 million per season, this is a great deal for one of the top centers in the league, as he is easily worth $8 million per season, in my opinion. Backstrom's best years are still ahead of him and his skill will help keep the Capitals a very competitive team for the foreseeable future.