WASHINGTON, July 6 -- The Washington Capitals brought back a familiar face Thursday by signing free agent defenseman Sylvain Cote to a three-year, $4.35 million contract.
According to the Capitals, Cote will receive $1.4 million in 2000-01, $1.45 million in 2001-02 and $1.5 million in 2002-03.
He finished last season with the Dallas Stars.
Cote, 34, manned Washington's blue line from 1991-98, recording 65 goals and 140 assists in 483 games. He scored a career-high 21 goals in 1992-93, when he was one of three Capitals defensemen to tally at least 20 times.
"Sylvain adds speed and depth to our defense," Capitals general manager George McPhee said. "He spent a good portion of his career here in Washington and relly enjoyed playing for the Capitals. We know what we are getting and are pleased to have him back in our lineup."
Washington traded Cote to Toronto for defenseman Jeff Brown on March 24, 1998. Cote split last season with the Maple Leafs, Chicago and Dallas, recording eight goals and 27 assists in 76 games.
Cote appeared in last month's Stanley Cup Finals with Dallas and scored the lone goal in a 2-1 loss to New Jersey in Game 3. The Devils went on to win the series in six games.
The Quebec native was chosen 11th overall by Hartford in the 1984 draft. He has played in 1,034 career games, recording 112 goals and 403 points.
