Thursday, July 19, 2007

The Washington Capitals signed captain Chris Clark to a three-year, $7.9 million contract extension yesterday, locking up the rugged right wing through the 2010-11 season. He could have become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Clark posted career highs in goals (30) and assists (24) in 74 games last season, but the defining moment of his campaign came in November, when he was struck in the face by a puck. He finished his shift, despite losing two teeth and suffering a crushed palate bone, and missed only two games as a result of the painful injuries.

The 31-year-old is scheduled to earn $1.1 million next season and $2.75 million in 2008-09. During the contract's final two years, Clark will earn $2.65 million and $2.5 million, respectively, according to sources.

After skating on the Capitals' top line with all-star Alex Ovechkin for most of the past two seasons, Clark's role probably will change this winter because of the additions of forwards Nicklas Backstrom, Michael Nylander and Viktor Kozlov. Clark might instead skate on a checking line, focusing more on preventing goals rather than scoring them -- which, if it happens, suits Clark just fine.

"I got a lot [of ice time] the past couple of years because of what we had on our team," Clark said. "If things change next year, if we're winning, I don't care. I could be the third-string goalie and that would be fine."

Clark also said he accepted less money in exchange for the security of a long-term deal.

"Risk-reward can go either way," he added. "I like where I am right now. I like the organization. I love the area. It's a lot [of money] for me." . . .

Dave Fay, the longtime Capitals beat reporter for the Washington Times, died Tuesday night after a 12-year struggle with cancer. He was 67. Fay, who covered the team for more than two decades, will be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame in November.

-- Tarik El-Bashir