Capitals sign RW Knuble to free-agent contract Eds: APNewsNow.

Washington (AP) The Washington Capitals addressed their need for a scoring winger, signing right wing Mike Knuble to a two-year deal worth $5.6 million on the first day of NHL free agency.

Knuble, who turns 37 on Saturday, had 27 goals and 20 assists in 82 games for Philadelphia last season. The deal was announced Wednesday, a few hours after teams could sign free agents.

He could replace Viktor Kozlov, who signed with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League last month, as a first-line forward alongside left wing Alex Ovechkin and center Nicklas Backstrom.

In 13 seasons with Detroit, the New York Rangers, Boston and Philadelphia, Knuble has 215 goals and 214 assists in 820 games.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-01-09 1432CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list