The first significant free agent signing of the NHL's UFA market wasn't an unrestricted free agent but rather a restricted on.

Defenseman Mike Green re-signed a four-year deal worth $5.25 million per season with the Washington Capitals, which is a substantial bump over the $950K per season he earned on his entry level contract.

Green had a breakout performance in 2007-08, with 56 points in 82 games and anchoring the Capitals power play, but it was during the Capitals 2008 post-season series against the Philadelphia Flyers that he truly shone as one of the club's offensive leaders.

The Caps are not just paying for potential but also ensuring they didn't lose Green to an offer sheet which might've set the salary bar even higher than $5.25 million per season.

If Green plays as well over the next four years as he did this season he could prove worth every penny.