Forward Brooks Laich has signed a six-year, $27 million contract to stay with the Washington Capitals.
It's a key signing for the Capitals, as Laich was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday.
"I'm thrilled to make the commitment to remain a Capital," said Laich in a statement. "It is a wonderful organization with terrific fans and I'm very happy to continue to call Washington home for many years to come."
The deal averages out to $4.5 million per season for the 28-year-old from Wawota, Saskatchewan. The deal represents a significant raise over his last contract, which was for three years and $6.2 million.
Laich scored 16 goals and 32 assists in 82 games last season, and added seven points in nine playoff games for Washington.
"We are very pleased to have Brooks Laich continue his career as a Washington Capital," said general manager George McPhee 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."
Laich was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the sixth round of the 2001 draft and was traded to the Capitals as part of the Peter Bondra deal in Feb. 2004.
He has 100 goals and 237 points over seven NHL seasons.
