Alexander Semin Signs Another One-Year Deal with Capitals

For the second straight year, Alexander Semin has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals. Give credit to the high-scoring wing for having the confidence in his ability to forego the safety cushion of a longer-term deal.

"Sometimes it's the player's preference," Capitals general manager George McPhee said on a media conference call on Thursday. "Alex was comfortable with a one-year deal. We were open to one, two and three-year deals. They said a one-year deal would be fine, and we said okay."

Despite being a point-a-game player for the last three years while offensive stars are hard to come by, the 26-year old Semin passed on becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and signed for $6.7 million.

"Maybe it keeps players hungry," said McPhee. "I don't have a problem doing one-year deals with anybody. It gives the players flexibility. Last year when we did a one-year deal, Alex scored 40 goals -- the most he's ever scored for us. I have no problem with that."

This season, Semin is 18-17-35 in 39 games, second on the team in goals and third in points. He ranked second in the league in goals (18) and fifth in points (30) in the first two months of the season. McPhee said Semin is expected to recover from a groin injury in time to return to the Capitals' lineup soon after the All-Star break.

Semin had his first 40-goal season and a career-high 84 points in 2009-10. In 366 career games, Washington's first round pick in 2002 has recorded 335 points (166 goals, 169 assists). He is a combined +69 in the last three seasons, best of any Capitals forward and fifth-best in the NHL.

Said McPhee, "Players that score like this are hard to find. He is an exceptional talent."