ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals need more depth on the right side, and they addressed that to open free agency by bringing in Vincent Desharnais on a four-year, $16.8 million contract.

Desharnais' deal carries an AAV of $4.2 million.

The 6-foot-7 blueliner appeared in 53 games for the San Jose Sharks last season, picking up a goal, six assists, 103 hits and 83 blocks, along with a plus/minus of plus-7 and 68 penalty minutes while averaging a career-high 18:11 minutes per game.

Desharnais plays a shutdown game and doesn't shy away from physicality, while using his frame to his advantage. He's a solid skater and makes life uncomfortable for the opposition, and he plays numerous roles, can move up and down the blue line and kill penalties.

The 30-year-old defenseman adds size to the defense corps and gives the Capitals another right-handed option. D.C. is in need of more support on the right with Rasmus Sandin out long-term as he recovers from a torn ACL and Trevor van Riemsdyk signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In addition to Desharnais, Washington also signed veteran right-hand defenseman Justin Holl to a one-year, $900,000 contract, giving the team some more depth.

Holl, 34, appeared in just nine NHL nine games for the St. Louis Blues last season, picking up a goal and assist and plus/minus rating of plus-5.

He'd spent the first part of the season with the Detroit Red Wings' AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, collecting 14 points and a plus/minus rating of plus-15 in 41 games before being traded at the deadline.

The Capitals also brought in a depth forward, inking Jonny Brodzinski to a one-year contract.