ARLINGTON, Va. -- Alex Ovechkin is welcoming Alexander Semin back to town as an old friend. The rest of the Washington Capitals have a more complex view of their former teammate.

Forward Troy Brouwer ripped Semin's work ethic on Monday, reviving the reputation that dogged the talented Russian's seven seasons in Washington. Semin signed as a free agent last summer with the Carolina Hurricanes, who visit the Capitals today.

Brouwer also says the Capitals had a "very lackadaisical" culture under former coach Bruce Boudreau.

It was a busy day for the Capitals, who also signed goaltender Braden Holtby and defenceman John Erskine to two-year contract extensions.

Red Wings ink D-man Lashoff

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenceman Brian Lashoff to a three-year, $2.175-million contract.

Lashoff has a goal and two assists in 15 games this season, his first in the NHL. The 22-year-old native of Albany, N.Y., has made the most of his opportunities to fill in for banged-up defencemen in Detroit.

The undrafted free agent played in 36 games during the NHL lockout with the Grand Rapids Griffins after playing all of last season with the Red Wings' American Hockey League affiliate.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 26, 2013 D2