Washington Capitals signs Tom Poti to extension
The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Tom Poti to a two-year extension worth $5.75 million. Poti is set to earn $3 million in his first season and $2.75 in the second. Poti will play out the final year of his current contract, which sees him make
$3.5 million this season.
Poti was drafted 59th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 1996 National Hockey League entry draft. Poti joined the Oilers for the 1998-99 season and spent three years with the club, before being traded to the Rangers in his
fourth season. The Massachusetts native played four seasons with the Rangers, establishing himself as a solid two-way defender. Poti had his best season with the club in 2002-03, notching 11 goals and 48 points. Poti would spend a season with the New York
Islanders in 2006-07, before joining the Capitals the following year.
Poti is a solid signing by Washington management. The 33-year-old has served as an important cog in their defence over the past three seasons. With such a young defence core, Poti brings necessary veteran leadership along with a two-way approach to the Washington
back end. The Capitals' defence is set to get even younger in 2010-11 with the introduction of John Carlson and Karl Alzner. The Poti extension ensures there is a veteran presence on the blue line for at least three more years.
The salary agreed upon also seems to have worked in the favour of the Capitals. The club is able to take half a million off its books next year, while retaining one of their important veterans. A two-year deal seems to serve both sides, as the Capitals are
unlikely to extend Poti for longer than a year when his new contract comes up and by that time the defender will be 35 years old and at the tail end of his career.
Last season with the Capitals, Poti managed four goals and 20 assists, while going plus-26.
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