Washington Capitals Agree to Two-Year Extensions With Erskine, Holtby

The Washington Capitals agreed to two-year extensions with goaltender Braden Holtby (left) and defenseman John Erskine (right) on Monday. Mandatory Credits: Associated Press (Holtby), Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post (Erskine)

The Washington Capitals announced earlier today that they’ve agreed to two-year extensions with defenseman John Erskine and goaltender Branden Holtby.

Erskine was set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason after completely the two-year, $3-million deal that he signed before the 2011-2012 season. After seeing little game action last season, the 31-year-old has averaged a career-high 19.5 minutes per game this year under new coach Adam Oates. Erskine originally joined the Capitals before the 2006-2007 season, and will now be in DC through 2014-2015 on a 2-year, $3.925-million deal. He will receive $1.925-million in 2013-2014, $2-million in 2014-2015.

Holtby was set to become a restricted free agent after the year, so while the Capitals could’ve kept him, having cost certainty is good for the front office headed into the offseason. Holtby is 5-6 on the year with an .896 save percentage and a 3.37 goals-against average. However, the 23-year-old has found his stride as of late, winning four of his last six starts including a 5-1 victory over the Devils on Saturday where Holtby blocked a penalty shot and recorded 21 saves. Holtby will receive a $100-thousand bonus on July 1 of this year, $1.6-million in 2013-2014 and $2-million in 2014-2015.

The Capitals next play on Tuesday night at 7 PM EST against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Verizon Center.