Capitals take Laich off market

The Washington Capitals have signed valuable two-way forward Brooks Laich just days before he was set to become an unrestricted free agent.

"There was never a serious consideration to go anywhere else," Laich said.

The team announced the deal on Tuesday, with reports that it is for six years and $27 million US. The Wawota, Sask., native earned $2.4 million in the past season.

"We are very pleased to have Brooks Laich continue his career as a Washington Capital," team general manager George McPhee said in a statement. "Brooks has excelled as one of the league’s finer two-way players and is just entering his prime. His combination of size, speed, versatility and leadership makes him a valuable part of our club."

The six-foot-two forward scored 16 goals and 32 assists in 81 regular season games, with a plus-14 rating. With seven points in 10 playoff games, Laich was second in points to team superstar Alexander Ovechkin.

The 28-year-old sees the ice in all situations for Washington. He's scored 33 of his 85 goals the past four seasons on the power play, with four short-handed goals over that time.

"The main core of this team is very young," Laich said. "You're looking at a chance to win a championship for potentially the next 10 years."

He's missed just four regular season games over the past three seasons.

Laich was acquired in a 2003-04 trade with Ottawa that saw longtime Capitals sniper Peter Bondra go to the Senators.