The Washington Capitals have ensured the long-term presence of defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who has been a significant offensive force from their defensive lineup this season, contributing to the team`s NHL top ranking.
Chychrun has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $72 million. This contract, carrying a $9 million annual salary cap hit, will keep the skilled defenseman with the Capitals until 2033.
General Manager Chris Patrick praised Chychrun as a dynamic and established top-tier defenseman. He highlighted Chychrun`s strong work ethic, diverse skills, and effectiveness in all game situations, emphasizing his value to the team and his alignment with the team`s culture and future goals. Patrick expressed excitement about Chychrun`s continued presence in the organization.
This season, Chychrun has scored more goals (18) than all other Capitals defensemen combined, ranking third among NHL defensemen. His 43 points in 65 games, a personal best, compensate for defensive risks he sometimes takes.
Coach Spencer Carbery has experimented with Chychrun on the primary power-play unit, typically led by John Carlson. Carbery noted that Chychrun brings a different style to the power play, being more mobile and using his skating and wrist shot to create opportunities, contrasting with Carlson`s more stationary, pass-first approach.
Chychrun, who will turn 27 soon, recently sustained a wrist cut during a game but fortunately avoided serious damage. His re-signing was the final key item on General Manager Patrick`s agenda, following contract extensions for goalies Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren.
Chychrun was initially acquired by the previous GM, Brian MacLellan, from Ottawa in exchange for Nick Jensen and a draft pick. This move, along with other successful acquisitions like Thompson and Pierre-Luc Dubois, has proven beneficial for the Capitals.
The Capitals had previously shown interest in Chychrun in 2023. Securing Chychrun long-term is seen as vital for both the remainder of Alex Ovechkin`s era and the team`s future development, incorporating prospects like Ryan Leonard.
Chychrun`s eight-year deal is the longest on the team, and his $9 million salary will be second-highest next season, only behind Ovechkin, and the highest in subsequent years.
