Capitals Sign Center Christian Hanson

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed center Christian Hanson to a one-year contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Hanson, 25, recorded 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) and 51 penalty minutes in 58 games last season with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). The 2010 AHL All-Star also finished tied for fifth on the team in points and seventh in goals. In 96 career AHL games with Toronto, Hanson has collected 65 points (25 goals, 40 assists) and 86 penalty minutes.

The 6’4”, 228-pound forward appeared in six games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. In 42 career NHL games, Hanson has three goals, six assists and 22 penalty minutes. The Venetia, Pennsylvania, native captured two CCHA championships with the University of Notre Dame (2007, 2009) and in 2009 was named an NCAA Second Team All-Star. Hanson tallied one assist in six games as a member of the United States at the 2010 World Hockey Championship.

Hanson was originally signed as an un-drafted free agent by Toronto in 2009.