Capitals Sign Brooks Laich to Six-Year Extension

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have signed left wing Brooks Laich to a six-year contract extension worth $27 million. The deal will average out to $4.5 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In all 82 games last season, he had 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points. He also added one goal and six assists for seven points in nine playoff games. This is a decent signing for the Capitals, as Laich brings plenty of offensive depth to the forward lines. He can score goals, play a defensive role on offense, and has some versatility. However, he can be inconsistent in his scoring and doesn't have high-end scoring ability, so $4.5 million per season is a bit high for him. Perhaps a salary in the $3 million range would have been more suitable for Laich.