SPORTS

Capitals sign ex-Maple Leafs forward Mikhail Grabovski to one-year deal

Stephen Whyno The Canadian Press
Published Friday, August 23, 2013 1:11PM EDT

In this Feb. 28, 2013 file photo, Toronto Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski (84) drives the puck around the boards during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, in Uniondale, N.Y. The Washington Capitals have signed Grabovski to a one-year, $3 million contract, giving the team another candidate for second-line center after the departure of Mike Ribeiro.The Capitals announced the deal Friday, Aug. 23, 2013. (AP / Kathy Kmonicek, File)

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Mikhail Grabovski's long free-agent summer is over.

The former Toronto Maple Leafs forward has signed a one-year, $3-million deal with the Washington Capitals, where he figures to be their second-line centre. That substantial role was only part of why Grabovski chose Washington.

"We were impressed, very much impressed with Washington coach Adam Oates," agent Gary Greenstin said in a phone interview Friday morning. "I remember as a player he always was an honest player during his hockey career. We talked with Adam, and most importantly he talked to Mikhail. And his enthusiasm, Adam's enthusiasm to work with Mikhail, convinced us it was right."

Grabovski became an unrestricted free agent when the Leafs bought out the final four seasons of his five-year, $27.5-million contract.

At centre, they re-signed Tyler Bozak to a five-year, $21-million deal and traded for David Bolland from the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Capitals had their own hole down the middle after letting Mike Ribeiro leave to sign with the Phoenix Coyotes.

"Mikhail adds speed and offence to our lineup," Capitals general manager George McPhee said in a statement. "We believe he will be an excellent addition to our club."

McPhee said last month that the plan was for Brooks Laich to be the second-line centre, something that likely changes with the addition of Grabovski.

Grabovski played in all 48 games last season for Toronto under coach Randy Carlyle, putting up nine goals and seven assists in largely a bottom-six role. Previously under Ron Wilson, the Belarusian was an effective scorer, recording 51 points in 2011-12 and 58 points in 2010-11.

"The coach is always right," Greenstin said. "I've been around hockey long enough. If something goes wrong between the coach and the player, the agent has to talk to the general manager. Actually (I have) no hard feeling for Carly. I still believe he's a good coach and I wish best success to the Maple Leafs."

Greenstin said he expects Grabovski to be a 60- or 70-point player during an 82-game season if given that kind of role under Oates.

"Everybody knows his capabilities," Greenstin said. "Regarding why he make less points with the Maple Leafs because (of the) short season, first of all, in a longer season he'll get his 20 goals. And second, he had been playing third, fourth line."

Greenstin said it was the plan all along for Grabovski to seek a short-term deal and that "maybe a dozen teams" were interested in signing him, including "top teams" from Russia's Kontinental Hockey League.

Grabovski was set to make $6 million this season with the Leafs under his previous contract, so the 29-year-old is taking a pay cut, but with the salary cap expected to rise for 2014-15, a one-year deal could put him in position for another pay day.

Grabovski didn't get that immediately after the Maple Leafs used a compliance buyout on him. Toronto will pay him $14.3 million over the next eight years as a result.

"He is happy," Greenstin said. "He loves Toronto, he loves the Maple Leafs -- they're a great organization. Now he has a new home, a new organization. He'll play for Washington and I believe his goal (is) to win the Stanley Cup. And he's 29. He'll have a great, great hockey career as it continues."