Capitals Sign Free Agents Boyd Kane and Jamie Heward

[Thrillhouse]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Capitals have signed free agent left wing Boyd Kane, who most recently played in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers and free agent defenseman Jamie Heward, who most recently played in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Last season Kane served as captain for the Calder Cup champion Philadelphia Phantoms of the AHL. He totaled nine goals, 15 assists (24 points) and 112 penalty minutes in 58 games with the Phantoms in 2003-04.

Kane, 27, was originally chosen 72nd overall (third round) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft but did not sign. He went back into the draft and was selected 114th overall (fourth round) by the New York Rangers in the 1998 draft. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Gordie Dwyer Oct. 10, 2002, and signed with Philadelphia as a free agent July 14, 2003. The 6' 2", 218-pound native of Swift Current, Sask., recorded seven penalty minutes in seven games with the Flyers in 2003-04, his only NHL action.

Prior to beginning his professional career in 1998-99, Kane spent four seasons playing for the Regina Pats of the WHL.

Heward, 34, was selected 16th overall by Pittsburgh in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with Toronto in 1995-96 and also has played for Nashville, the New York Islanders and Columbus. The 6' 2", 207-pound native of Regina, Sask., recorded one goal, two assists (three points) and seven penalty minutes in 28 games with Columbus in 2001-02.

In six NHL seasons Heward has totaled 25 goals, 45 assists (70 points) and 116 penalty minutes in 239 games. Fifteen of his goals have come on the power play and three have been game-winners. He totaled 11 goals, 16 assists and 27 points in 69 games with the Blue Jackets in 2000-01, establishing career highs in all four categories.

Prior to beginning his pro career in 1991-92, Heward spent four seasons playing for the Regina Pats of the WHL. He played for the Canadian National Team in 1994-95 and was named recipient of the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s top defenseman in 1998.