The Caps announced today that they have avoided arbitration and re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Shaone Morrisonn to a two-year deal. Per team policy, terms were not disclosed.

Morrisonn, who projects to be a top-four defenseman, was one of the Caps' more pleasant surprises in 2005-06, finishing a remarkable +7 on a team that gave up 69 more goals than it scored. Acquiring the Vancouver native and former Bruins first-round pick is also one of General Manager George McPhee's biggest coups to date, as GMGM dumped soon-to-be-free-agent Sergei Gonchar on the Bruins for "Mo," a first- and a second-round pick in March of 2004.

For the latest on how the Caps' 2006-07 is shaping up, go here (also pinned at right).

UPDATE: The WTimes is reporting that Morrisonn will make $900,000 in each of the two years of his new contract.