Washington Capitals: Top 5 Free Agent Signings Since 2000

Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals Best FA Signings: Mikhail Grabovski

Mikhail Grabovski signed with the Washington Capitals during the 2013-2014 off-season. He signed a one-year deal worth $3,000,000. He essentially signed with the Caps to rebuild his value after being amnestied by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He was on a mission to prove his value and the Washington Capitals are lucky that he chose to do it with them.

On paper, he had a pretty good season. He had 35 points in 58 games in a second line role with the Caps. He was fourth among Caps forwards in even strength points per 60 minutes with 1.78. He finished the season with 23 even strength points (sixth among forwards).

However, most of his value came as being a driving force in terms of puck possession. Despite having a barely positive relative zone start percentage (0.29%), he led the Washington Capitals in even strength CorsiFor% (51.00%).

In fact, among Caps forwards with at least 200 minutes at even strength, he was the only one to end up with a CF% of over 50%.

The one thing that I’ll remember about Grabovski was his description of what it’s having Alex Ovechkin drive him around.

"Q: How’s Ovi as a driver? Grabovski: Whoooeeh. [Exhales.] Like in the game, you know? Always machine. I put seatbelt all the time. – Washington Post"

Classic.

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