Washington Capitals: Top 5 Free Agent Signings Since 2000

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals Best FA Signings: Mike Knuble

Coming in at number three on our list of the five best Washington Capitals free agent signings of the 21st century is a fan favorite: Mike Knuble. Knuble signed a two-year deal with the Caps before the 2009-2010 season.

He joined the Caps from the Flyers, out to prove that he wasn’t too old to produce. With the Caps, he proved that in his first season with the team.

In the 2009-2010 season, Knuble scored 29 goals to go along with 24 assists. He split first line minutes with Semin and had success playing alongside Ovechkin and Backstrom. He added six points in seven playoff games.

He brought to the Caps a hard-nosed style of play that the Washington Capitals had lacked previously. He was not afraid to go to the net and took countless sticks to the face. He probably had things done to him that he’ll never forget. However, he scored like a mad man, so I’m sure he doesn’t care.

After the 2010-2011 season, Knuble re-signed with the Caps. During the 2011-2012 season, he played in his 1000th NHL game.

He led the charge up the ice that led to Joel Wards‘s game winning goal that allowed the Washington Capitals to eliminate the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins.

Knuble was a blue collar player and Washington Capitals fans appreciated him for that.

Next: #2: F-16