Cassels leaves Columbus for D.C.
WASHINGTON -- Center Andrew Cassels and defenseman Lawrence Nycholat signed free agent deals with the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old Cassels had six goals and 20 assists in 58 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2003-04 season.
In 15 NHL seasons with five teams, Cassels has 200 goals, 520 assists and 396 penalty minutes in 984 games. His best season was 1992-93 with the Hartford Whalers, when he 21 goals and 64 assists.
He has had four 20-goal seasons, and seven 40-assist seasons.
Nycholat has played nine games in the NHL, all with the New York Rangers in 2003-04. Last season, he was an AHL All-Star and led Hartford defensemen with 43 points -- five goals, 38 assists.
The moves came a day after Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said the team will spend only about $25 million in salaries, well below the $39 million cap, and offered a 5 percent rebate on season tickets.
Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press
