WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- Washington Capitals left wing Chris Simon ended his holdout Monday, signing a two-year contract worth $4.5 million with a club option for 2002-03.
The rugged winger, who has spent the last four years with the Capitals, will earn $2.25 million over each of the next two seasons.
"There were many variables involved in completing his contract and it took time," said Capitals General Manager George McPhee. "But we are glad to have it behind us and look forward to many productive seasons for Chris."
The 6-4, 235-pounder adds immediate toughness to the defending Southeast Division champion Capitals, who have won just one of their first eight games. In its most recent outing, Washington skated to a 4-4 tie with the New York Islanders on Saturday after blowing an early 2-0 lead.
The 28-year-old Simon is coming off the best season of his eight-year career when he registered a team-high 29 goals and 20 assists in 75 games. Simon has recorded 952 penalty minutes and 154 points in 314 NHL games.
"Chris Simon is a unique player," McPhee said. "There are only a handful of players like Chris in the league today. He is a big man with good instincts around the net and has an excellent shot. If he continues to develop and perform like he did last season, he can become quite an offensive force, now and in the future."
