On Frozen Blog

The Washington Capitals have proved good on their publicly-stated intentions of spending some money and bringing some veteran talent into the fold, signing right wing Viktor Kozlov, center Michael Nylander, and defenseman Tom Poti. The three represent an influx of offensive talent to a club that has grinders to spare, but had a definite need for high-level talent.
Nylander’s return to the Nation’s Capital immediately fills the 1st line center spot and should set Alex Ovechkin to licking his lips in anticipation of some of the feeds he’ll be getting in scoring areas. The 12-year vet is coming off a career-high season, and his tutelage should help promising youngster and fellow countryman Nick Backstrom adjust to the realities of the NHL. At 4 years, the term may a bit on the long side for a 34-year-old player, but the Caps have a legitimate 1st line center to work with their talented wingers named Alex, and that’s a big positive.
Poti’s skill in moving the puck and being able to work the power play should improve the special teams unit, though the big blueliner is not known for his defensive acumen or physical game. He eats minutes, though, and was Isles’ coach Ted Nolan’s go-to guy on the backline. His nearly 600 games in the NHL will hopefully provide some veteran leadership to a young defensive corps that has talent, but not much experience.
Kozlov can play center, but is more comfortable on either wing and should get plenty of minutes. The Russian is another big boy who may not use his size in an overly-aggressive manner, but possesses a wicked wrist-shot and plenty of puck skill. It’s assumed he will play on the right side for the Caps, though on which of the top two lines seems up in the air.
In the end, agree with the choices or not, the Caps did what they said they would do — add players assertively to the club to upgrade the talent. The sore-spot of the power-play, in particular, is looking much better on paper, with three skilled participants added.
There still seems to be a bit of a void as far as a solid, veteran defensive defenseman goes, but overall the Caps have delivered on what they promised: change.
Update: Tarik El-Bashir reports that Nylander will be paid $5.5 million for the first three seasons, and then less in the fourth season. Expensive, to be sure, but maybe not outrageous.