Washington gets a bargain rate on an ideal second-line center available largely because his numbers declined as he played on Toronto's third and fourth lines. Grabovski drives possession better than Mike Ribeiro, who signed a free-agent deal with the Phoenix Coyotes, and produces even-strength points at comparable rate, though Ribeiro has done more (with more opportunities) on the power play.

In turn, Grabovski gets a prime opportunity to earn another long-term contract. He became an unrestricted free agent when the Leafs bought out the final four seasons of his five-year, $27.5-million contract.

Here's some collected reaction (and reaction reaction) to the deal:

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Center Nicklas Backstrom to The Washington Post: “It’s great. I think we needed him. He’s been really good in Toronto, I think, so we’re excited to have him come in. He’s a great player, he brings a lot of speed and skill. He can score goals too. He’s a smart centerman that hopefully will do a lot for this team.”

Note: Backstrom should be happy that some of the scoring load comes off his shoulders. It’s better to have Mikhail Grabovski playing behind you than Brooks Laich.

Former coach Ron Wilson to the Canadian Press: “Grabo was a joy to coach. Works very hard, cares about winning and improving as an individual … As tough a player as I’ve had and absolutely fearless.”

Note: Grabovski was at his best when Wilson coached the Leafs. He didn’t mesh with Wilson’s replacement, Randy Carlyle, for whatever reason – enough so that Grabovski went on a profane rant about Carlyle after his buyout went through.

GM George McPhee to reporters: "On July 8 (Laich) was our No. 2 center but things change over the course of the summer. … Having Brooks, knowing that he could play that position allowed us to do this deal. We could take our time and get the right deal."

Note: Not much else to say about that. McPhee went about things the right way and improved his team late in the game for a great price. Look at some of the other contracts handed out to centers this offseason: Ribeiro (four years at $5.5 million per), Stephen Weiss (five years, $4.9 million annually), Tyler Bozak (five years at $4.2 million annually) and Valtteri Filppula (five years, $5 million per season).

Plus, Laich can play a role that better suits his strength. At Japers Rink, Rob Parker had a great look at the situation, and specifically how the Caps’ puzzle pieces slide into place with Grabovski in the mix.

Agent Gary Greenstin to the Canadian Press: “We were impressed, very much impressed with Washington coach Adam Oates. I remember as a player he always was an honest player during his hockey career. We talked with Adam, and most importantly he talked to Mikhail. And his enthusiasm, Adam’s enthusiasm to work with Mikhail, convinced us it was right.”

Note: Oates’ recent track record with skill players – Ilya Kovalchuk and Alex Ovechkin at the top of the list – should matter.

Oates to Mike Vogel of the Capitals’ Monumental Network: “My pitch to him was not a hard sell. I kind of wanted to find out what happened in Toronto. I told him he was a good player in a unique situation because the league never had this buyout clause before. While emotionally it’s a tough thing, you’re in a unique position and you can consider any team that wants you. I gave him some information as to why he should consider ours.”

Note: See?