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Washington Capitals: Comparing contracts of Christian Djoos and Chandler Stephenson

By Michael Marzzacco

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos (29) ready for a face-off during a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Edmonton Oilers, on November 05, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C.The Capitals defeated the Oilers 4-2.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 05: Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos (29) ready for a face-off during a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Edmonton Oilers, on November 05, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C.The Capitals defeated the Oilers 4-2.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Washington Capitals defenseman Christian Djoos and forward Chandler Stephenson both have arbitration hearings. Djoos’ is coming up today.

Having a tight salary cap situation isn’t anything new to the Washington Capitals but now general manager Brian MacLellan has been put to the ultimate test. With just over $935,706 (per CapFriendly) which young RFA do they pay? Sad fact is they can’t pay both Christian Djoos and Chandler Stephenson unless one of them wants to take a significant paycut, which neither do.

The Capitals just extended the contract of Jakub Vrana to a two-year bridge deal worth $6.7 million, an AAV of $3.35 million for the next two seasons. Vrana got a good chunk of the pie but now it’s a matter of who gets the final piece.

Both Djoos and Stephenson’s AAV was $650,000 for each of the last two seasons. Both players were extended qualifying offers of $715,000 to which each declined.

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Djoos played in just 45 games with the Capitals after suffering compartment syndrome in his left thigh. When he returned to action, he wasn’t the same as he was in his strong rookie campaign and was scratched in the playoffs in favor of Jonas Siegenthaler.

Should the Capitals bring back Djoos, it’ll set up some interesting competition come training camp with Siegenthaler as to which defenseman gets the nod in the lineup for opening night. The Capitals would like to have both young defensemen at their ready and each had strong rookie seasons with a higher ceiling they haven’t reached yet.

Chandler Stephenson had a down year but still possesses the skillset necessary for bottom-six depth. More of a defensive forward, Stephenson was important on the penalty kill and did the little things on the ice when he was at his best. Stephenson posted 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 64 games after recording 18 a season ago.

If there isn’t an agreement in place between Djoos, his agent, and the Capitals it opens up the door for Stephenson to return to Washington. The arbitration hearing date for Stephenson is set for August 1st.

Like re-signing any player though, it’ll come with a price. Stephenson would have to compete with two new free agents the Capitals brought on board: Brendan Leipsic and Garnet Hathaway as well as compete with Travis Boyd one of the winger spots on the fourth line.

Next. Flashback to Nicklas Backstrom's overtime goal in Philadelphia for the first win of the Bruce Boudreau era. dark

Anything in the neighborhood of $800,000-$850,000 AAV for either player seems feasible and puts the Capitals in the proper position of not being above the salary cap. But that’s also the reality of this situation. Someone will be back and the other will have a new home. We’ll find out soon.

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