Capitals Stun Hockey World

The Washington Capitals stunned the hockey world today with the signings of highly coveted free agents Rob Blake and Zigmund Palffy. Washington, a team that barely made the playoffs last season with a losing record, were not seen as major players in the free agent market until the bold double-move by GM John Henry. The team doesn't have much salary cap room left, but don't be surprised if Henry tried to pull another rabbit out of his cap and make another bold signing.

Rob Blake, one of the league's premier defensemen, signed a four-year deal worth $8,533,001 per year with a $5,000,000 signing bonus. The 34-year-old is a superstar on both ends of the ice and his strong leadership and experience will certainly help a young Washington club. Last season, he scored 11 goals and added 34 assists in 73 games. He also recorded 182 hits in 1913 without a single penalty. His highly disciplined play should rub off on a team that has struggled with penalties in the past.

Zigmund Palffy, a sniper on the wing, signed a four-year deal worth $5,333,001 per year with a $5,000,000 signing bonus. At 32, the dynamic forward has a number of good seasons still in front of him and he brings a fantastic scoring touch to the Washington front line. Palffy is fast, a great passer, a skilled puckhandler, and has a real nose for the net. Last season he scored 27 goals and added 34 assists in 75 games. He should feature on either wing with the Capitals' top line.

Also signing with Washington was young winger Branko Radivojevic. The 24-year-old Slovak signed a four-year deal worth $777,330 per year with a $333,333 signing bonus. He's a speedy and strong skating forward, but is expected to be sent to the Junior Caps this season.

The addition of Blake and Palffy should greatly improve Washington this season and all eyes are on the club to see if more moves are on the horizon. Stay tuned to see what happens next...