Capitals Sign Free Agent Defenseman Mathieu Biron

[Thrillhouse]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Mathieu Biron (BEE-rawn), who most recently played in the NHL with the Florida Panthers, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Biron, 25, was selected 21st overall (first round) by Los Angeles in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded to the Islanders on June 20, 1999, and subsequently moved to Tampa Bay and then Florida. The 6' 6", 220-pound native of Lac-St-Charles, Que., recorded three goals, 10 assists (13 points) and 51 penalty minutes in 57 games with Florida in 2003-04.

In five NHL seasons Biron has totaled eight goals, 23 assists (31 points) and 127 penalty minutes in 201 games. Two of his goals have come on the power play and one was shorthanded. He debuted in the NHL with the Islanders in 1999-2000, playing a full NHL season as a 19-year-old.