Oates Decides to Back Off, Join Capitals

LANDOVER, Md. —  Adam Oates backed off his demands to renegotiate his contract and agreed to start playing for the Washington Capitals tonight.

The four-time all-star, who came to the Capitals from Boston on Saturday as part of a six-player trade, skated this morning and was scheduled to be available for Washington’s game at USAir Arena against the Calgary Flames.

Oates had said before the trade he would want to renegotiate his current contract with any new team. He missed Washington’s game Sunday with the New York Islanders while his agent Brian Cook and Capital General Manager David Poile began discussions.

Oates eventually agreed to report and play with his present contract if the Capitals would look at the situation after the season.