ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed center Sergei Fedorov to a one-year contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Fedorov (SAIR-gay FEH-duh-rahf), 38, will begin his 18th NHL season this year. The six-time NHL All-Star won three Stanley Cups as a member of the Detroit Red Wings (1997, ’98 and 2002), won the Hart Trophy as the league MVP in 1994 and won the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward in 1994 and ’96.

“We are happy to have Sergei back,” said vice president and general manager George McPhee. “What he brings to the club extends beyond the rink. He is a leader and a player that everyone on our team wanted back. We look forward to him helping us compete this upcoming season.”

A 6’2”, 207-pound native of Pskov , Russia , Fedorov played in 18 games for Washington last year after being acquired by the Capitals from Columbus at the trade deadline. He tallied two goals and 11 assists as a Capital and scored the game-winning goal in the final game of the season against Florida on April 5, that propelled Washington to a Southeast Division championship and its first playoff berth since 2003. Fedorov had one goal and four assists in seven playoff games for Washington .

Fedorov has averaged nearly a point per game in his career, with 1,146 points (472 goals, 674 assists) in 1,196 games with Detroit , Anaheim , Columbus and Washington . One of the most decorated Russian-born players in history, he has played in two Olympics, two World Cups, a Canada Cup and three World Junior Championships. He was the first Russian born and trained player to play 1,000 NHL games.

Detroit’s fourth choice, 74th overall, in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Fedorov played 13 seasons with Detroit before signing with Anaheim as a free agent in 2003. Columbus acquired him via trade on Nov. 15, 2005. In NHL history he ranks 47th in career points (ninth among active players), tied for 49th in career goals (10th among active players) and 54th in career assists (12th among active players). Fedorov’s career plus/minus rating of +257 ranks first among all active forwards.

Washington now has three Hart Trophy winners on their roster for next season. Alex Ovechkin won the award last season, while goaltender Jose Theodore received the Hart Trophy after the 2001-02 season. Fedorov won it after the 1993-94 season. There are only nine Hart Trophy winners that are still active in the NHL.

Sergei Fedorov                      

Center

Ht.: 6’2”                                Wt.: 207                Shoots: Left

Born: Dec. 13, 1969 ( Pskov , Russia )

Drafted: Detroit ’s 4th round choice, 74th overall in 1989

Acquired: From Columbus in exchange for Theo Ruth, Feb. 26, 2008