Capitals Sign Jeff Halpern

As first reported by TSN's Gord Miller, the Washington Capitals have signed free agent center Jeff Halpern to a one-year deal worth $825,000. Halpern played for the Montreal Canadiens last year, suiting up for 72 games and scoring 11 goals to go along with 15 assists.  He will play a fourth-line, veteran role with the Capitals and this is a great move for what DC needs.  Halpern can win faceoffs (56.9% of 594 last season), play good defense, and assist on the penalty kill.  Also, importance of the presence of a veteran and former captain in the locker room cannot be overstated.  This move coincides with former Capital Boyd Gordon signing with the Phoenix Coyotes on a two-year, $2.65 million deal.  Halpern brings pretty much the same skill set considerably cheaper.