Capitals, Morrisonn finalize one-year deal

Defenseman Shaone Morrisonn, who went to arbitration with the Washington Capitals on Thursday, signed a one-year deal Saturday worth $1,975,000.

Morrisonn, 25, had one goal and 10 points for the Caps last season. He averaged 20:16 of ice time, which was fourth on the team and third among defensemen.

He was paired with Mike Green once Bruce Boudreau was named coach, and they spent most of the remainder of the season together. Morrisonn was lauded for his work in his own end, and his stability allowed Green to become a dynamic offensive player. After beginning the season as a minus-10 in 21 games for Glen Hanlon, Morrisonn was a plus-14 with Boudreau as his coach.

Acquired during the 2003-04 fire sale from Boston for Sergei Gonchar, Morrisonn made $900,000 last season. Morrisonn will be a restricted free agent after this season and can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2009-10 campaign.

His signing is the last from the team’s free agents. General manager George McPhee said his offseason plan was to keep the 2007-08 team intact, and save for a switch at goaltender and the losses of Matt Cooke (signed with Pittsburgh) and Steve Eminger (traded to Philadelphia) he accomplished that.