major still had nhl interest and was quickly signed as a free agent on august 20, 1997 by the washington capitals. he started out in their farm system playing for the portland pirates of the ahl. in his first season, major was first on his team and second in the league for penalty minutes with 355. this was his career high for pims in a season and as of 2007, he still holds the team record for penalty minutes in a single season. major wasn't finished with 355 and added 52 more pims in 10 playoff games that year. the following season he again led the team in pims and saw his point production decrease to only nine points in 66 games. he was let go by washington and began play for the houston aeros of the ihl in 1999. after just 20 games (with 81 pims), major was signed as a free agent by the flint generals of the united hockey league. he was named team captain and finished out the 1999–00 season with the generals scoring 41 points, his highest point total in years, and helped the team win the colonial cup. he put up great numbers the following season when he finished with 46 points and 163 pims. generals coach billy thurlow had this to say about major's style of play: