Photo: @Latta17
New Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan has made some polarizing moves on Tuesday. First, he signed Justin Peters to a reasonable deal to serve as Braden Holtby’s back-up. Then, GMBM unloaded a boatload of cash to Brooks Orpik’s door, which he has been roundly criticized because Orpik is old and bad.
Mixed in with those signings, the Caps announced that they have re-upped restricted free agent Michael Latta to a two-year, $1.15 deal. That’s worth celebrating.
Latta, the only remaining gem of the Filip Forsberg trade, is a straight-up good hockey player. Playing mostly with Tom Wilson and possession anchor Aaron Volpatti, Latta managed a better-than-it-seems 48.6 percent possession score. He also tallied four points — including the GWG against Detroit — and drew a ridiculous amount of penalties. The dude can penalty kill. He can also fight (poor Rinaldo). And he is a pest– a good one at that.
that was quick, thanks for all the support from the fans. Pumped to be back in Washington. Rock the red.. Not bc it's canada day either
— Michael Latta (@Latta17) July 1, 2014
Congrats to #RC member @Latta17 on re-signing today! Guy has soft hands and below average feet
— Nate Schmidt (@nateschmidt29) July 1, 2014
Hahaha, Nate.
Via the Caps:
The Washington Capitals have re-signed center Michael Latta to a two-year, $1.15 million contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.
Latta, 23, registered four points (one goal, three assists) and 12 penalty minutes in 17 games with Washington during the 2013-14 season. The Kitchener, Ont., native made his NHL debut against Chicago on Oct. 1, earned his first NHL point with an assist on Nov. 2 against Florida and scored his first NHL goal on Nov. 15 at Detroit. Latta was drafted by Nashville in the third round, 72nd overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
The 6’0”, 212-pound center played in 52 games with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) last season, collecting 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) and 134 penalty minutes. Latta finished the 2013-14 campaign ranked second on the team in penalty minutes and seventh in goals, assists and points. In 183 career AHL games with Milwaukee and Hershey, Latta has registered 100 points (38 goals, 62 assists) and 434 penalty minutes.