Caps Take First Step, Sign Backstrom to 10 Year Deal

The Washington Capitals took the first step towards remaining a Stanley Cup contending team on Monday with a deal to keep their superstar center. The team announced this morning that they have signed Nicklas Backstrom to a 10 year, $67 million deal. Backstrom's entry level contract expired at the end of this season and he was scheduled to become a free agent in July.

Most general managers are reluctant to sign such long term deals, but the Capitals now have two with Ovechkin's 13 year deal. George McPhee seemed unconcerned. "The risks are that the player doesn't meet expectation with the contract, but I never for one minute with Alex Ovechkin or Nicklas Backstrom think that they won't compete all the way through," he said. "It sends the right message to our fans and to this franchise that we have outstanding young players who are ready to commit for the rest of their career." Backstrom has yet to miss a single game in his three year career and his points continue to improve. Singing a player of Backstrom's caliber does not seem to be much of a risk even if it is for such a high price. With the probable departure of other expensive players such as Jose Theodore, the team can afford to sign this much needed deal.

As soon as the Capitals finished their disappointing playoff series against Montreal, signing Backstrom became the top priority. He has become one of the best centers in the league and has developed a report with Ovechkin. The two teamed up for 210 points in the regular season, the highest scoring duo in the NHL.

The Capitals also announced that they had signed their first round draft pick from 2009, Marcus Johansson to a three-year entry level contract. The team hopes Backstrom can help him develop enough in the offseason to earn a roster spot next season. With the probable departure of Brendan Morrison, developing another center will be important.