The Capitals general manager called the decision a "strategic" one.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have officially announced thadeir agreement to purchase the popular salary cap tracking website CapFriendly, and on Wednesday, general manager Brian MacLellan provided more insight into that decision.

MacLellan issued a statement on the matter, explaining the team's intentions and calling the decision a "strategic" one for the hockey club. Jamie, Ryan and Christopher Davis, who all run CapFriendly, will also join Washington's front office.

“The Capitals have agreed to acquire CapFriendly, including its tools and functions, for its in-house hockey operations department... This strategic move will provide the Capitals organization with the ability to digest, present and analyze both our internal and League-supplied data and will also bring on board Jamie, Ryan and Christopher Davis, talented members of the CapFriendly team, once the deal has closed.

"The existing infrastructure will be a valuable addition to the team’s hockey operations department in many ways. We anticipate that this acquisition will significantly enhance and integrate the various branches of our hockey operations department, allowing us to strengthen our management, scouting, analytics and player development, in addition to augmenting our salary cap and contractual applications.

"We are thrilled that Jamie, Ryan and Christopher have agreed to join our organization and are excited to add the CapFriendly platform and the team’s related deep industry knowledge to the Capitals front office.”

MacLellan added that CapFriendly will continue to be independently operated until the deal is official, which is expected to occur in early to mid-July after the conclusion of the NHL draft and the start of free agency.