WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- The stalemate between restricted free agent Sergei Gonchar and the Washington Capitals ended Tuesday after the team locked up their top defenseman with a four-year, $13.3 million contract.
The 26-year-old Gonchar will receive $3 million this season, $3.2 million next season, $3.45 million in 2001-02 and $3.65 million in 2002-03.
After missing all of training camp, Gonchar will not play in the club's first two games Friday vs. Los Angeles and Saturday at Carolina. The Capitals begin a three-game road trip October 11 at Atlanta.
Gonchar was Washington's second-leading scorer last season, producing 18 goals and 54 points in 73 games. He was especially strong down the stretch with 10 goals and 35 points in his last 37 contests.
The 14th overall pick by Washington in the 1992 draft, Gonchar has 74 goals and 184 points in 364 career games. He also has been the team's power-play quarterback, scoring 27 career goals with the man advantage.
Washington now hopes to sign winger Chris Simon, its only other holdout, by Friday's opener. Known more for his physical play, Simon surprised many by pacing the Capitals with a career-high 29 goals last season.
