make changes. George McPhee's contract was not renewed after he spent 17 seasons as the team's GM, while Adam Oates was fired with a year left on his three-season deal.

MacLellan was promoted from assistant general manager to replace McPhee, while Barry Trotz was hired as the new coach.

Washington also has added assistant coach Todd Reirden, who was hired by the Capitals after the Penguins fired him last week.

''Todd helps young defensemen get better,'' said Niskanen, who got married Saturday and said Orpik passed along information from his visit with the Capitals.

And in one more Penguins-to-Capitals transaction Tuesday, Washington signed right wing Chris Conner to a one-year, two-way contract. He has 22 goals and 28 assists in 178 NHL games, including 19 with Pittsburgh last season.

As for all those703 career games. He is a two-time U.S. Olympian and was an alternate captain for the Penguins since 2008.

''He's a defensive defenseman. He's a shot blocker. He hits. He's strong in front of the net. He clears the crease. He does all those intangible things, plus the leadership side,'' MacLellan said. ''Plus, he makes the guy beside him a little better, too.''

The 27-year-old Peters went 7-9-4 with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage for the Carolina Hurricanes last season.

''When the head coach on the team looks you in the eye and tell you he wants you to be there, that goes a long way,'' Peters said.

He said he wasn't told how he'll be used with the Capitals, but MacLellan made clear that Peters is No.