Niskanen to Caps biggest move on busy day in NHL

FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2013 file photo, Pittsburgh Penguins' Matt Niskanen (2) follows the play in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins in Boston. NHL teams can begin making deals with free agents Tuesday, July 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File) FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2013 file photo, Pittsburgh Penguins' Matt Niskanen (2) follows the play in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins in Boston. NHL teams can begin making deals with free agents Tuesday, July 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

By Associated Press July 1, 2014 1 min read

NHL free agency has opened with a flurry of moves.

Defenseman Matt Niskanen cashed in on his free agency, signing a seven-year, $40.25 million contract with the Washington Capitals.

The Capitals, trying to support superstar Alex Ovechkin with more talent, also signed defenseman Brooks Orpik to a $27.5 million, five-year deal.

Colorado veteran Paul Stastny got a $28 million, four-year contract from the St. Louis Blues.

Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller were also on the move hours after the market opened Tuesday. The Minnesota Wild signed Vanek, a forward, to a $19.5 million, three-year deal. The Vancouver Canucks gave Miller a three-year deal worth $18 million.