The 29-year-old native of Toronto will round out a goaltending duo headed by Olaf Kolzig, whose play was instrumental in the Capitals’ drive to the Stanley Cup Finals, where the team ultimately fell to Detroit in four games.
"Rick is a quality goalie who will provide depth and help create a strong tandem with `Olie,'" said Washington vice president and general manager George McPhee. "We wanted to obtain an experienced goalie that could win games when called upon, or in a worst-case scenario, be a number-one goalie if `Olie' were to go down with an injury."
In 42 games with the Flames last season, Tabaracci posted a 13-22-6 record to go with a 2.88 goals-against average.
A second-round pick by Pittsburgh in the 1987 draft (26th overall), Tabaracci went on to play only one game for the Penguins, in 1988-89. He saw action in the NHL again in 1990-91, with Winnipeg, before moving on to Washington. Tabaracci has also played with Chicago and Tampa Bay. His career record stands at 88-112-27 in 260 games.