Capitals Re-Sign Centers Brian Sutherby and Rico Fata

[VodkaFish]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Capitals have re-signed centers Brian Sutherby and Rico Fata, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Sutherby, 24, enjoyed the best season of his career last year with 14 goals, two of which were shorthanded tallies, and 16 assists for 30 points in 76 games. His 14 goals were seventh most on the team and more than triple his career total entering the season (four in 109 games). Sutherby has been with the Capitals his entire professional career, playing 185 games and recording 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points and accumulating 196 penalty minutes.

A 6’3”, 205-pound native of Edmonton, Sutherby was the Capitals’ first-round choice, 26th overall, in the 2000 Entry Draft. He played four seasons for Moose Jaw of the Western Hockey League (WHL), 1998-99 through 2001-02, recording 79 goals and 99 assists for 178 points in 208 games. Sutherby also spent part of three seasons with the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League (AHL), posting 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points in 64 games.

Sutherby helped Canada to a silver medal at the 2002 World Junior Championships. He tied for fourth on the team in points (six) with three goals and three assists in seven games.

Fata, 25, was a first-round draft pick (sixth overall) in 1998 by the Calgary Flames. In seven NHL seasons, he has played with five teams: Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New York Rangers, Calgary and the Capitals. Fata has played in 220 career games, recording 27 goals and 35 assists for 61 points with 102 penalty minutes.

A 5’11”, 202-pound native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Fata played in each of the 21 games – including his 200th NHL game, his first as a Capital – last season after being claimed off waivers March 9, 2006. He recorded three goals and three assists last season for the Capitals.

[BENNETTWOLF]

Glad to see the Caps reupped Brian Sutherby. He broke thru last year moving off the 4th line and looking to be the abrasive checking forward with decent hands the team projected him to be. He solidified 3rd line status and can play with an edge although his fighting dropped off from his previous status as a "middleweight" contender.

Hopefully he'll up his aggressiveness especially with Brashear to back him up and be the type of in your face, game in, game out prescence that Dale Hunter was years ago. I know that's what they hoped for when he was drafted so high.

[Isles4life]

I like Sutherby's edge and Fata's speed, but neither of these guys provide much in the way of offensive support for AO.

[tyfighter27]

I swear Washington is a team full of Penguins rejects