Capitals Sign Patrick McNeill to Two-Year Contract

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have signed defenseman Patrick McNeill to a two-year, two-way contract worth $1.05 million. The deal will pay him $525,000 each season at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 51 games this past season with Hershey of the AHL, he had seven goals and 20 assists for 27 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a depth signing for the Capitals, as McNeill will likely spend much of next season in the minors, but it's not a bad depth signing. He does have a little offensive skill, so he will be a good asset for Hershey and could provide some defensive depth for the Capitals if he is recalled from the minors in the event of an injury.