Capitals Sign Joel Ward, Roman Hamrlik, Ryan Potulny

The Washington Capitals announced on the first day of free agency that they have signed right wing Joel Ward to a four-year contract worth $12 million, defenseman Roman Hamrlik to a two-year contract worth $7 million, and center Ryan Potulny to a one-year contract. Ward's contract will pay him $3 million per season and Hamrlik will make $3.5 million per year, while the financial terms of Potulny's deal were not disclosed. In 80 games last season with the Nashville Predators, Ward had 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points, while Hamrlik had five goals and 29 assists for 34 points in 79 games with the Montreal Canadiens. Potulny appeared in 10 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators, scoring no points. He also played in 71 games with Rockford and Binghamton of the AHL, scoring 21 goals and 28 assists for 49 points. These aren't bad signings for the Capitals. Ward has plenty of speed, works hard on the ice, has some two-way skill, and is good on the power play and penalty kill. He should be a good fit for the Capitals. Hamrlik brings plenty of offensive skill to the blueline, as well as lots of grit and physical play. He is also excellent on the power play and penalty kill, so he should be an excellent top-four defenseman for the team. Potulny is really just a depth signing for the Capitals, as he will likely spend much of next season in the minors. If he does see any time in the NHL, it will likely be on the fourth line.