Capitals re-sign Lucas Johansen

After a busy second day of the NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals weren’t done making moves. They re-signed defenseman Lucas Johansen, who was a restricted free agent, to a two year, $1.525 million contract.

The first year of Johansen’s deal will be a two way contract where he’ll make $750,000 in the NHL and $125,000 in the AHL. The second year will be a one way contract where he’ll make $775,000.

The 24 year old made his NHL debut and recorded his first career point on Dec. 31, 2021 against the Detroit Red Wings. Johansen was selected in the first round at 28th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft.

The six foot two, 176 pound defenseman recorded 28 points with eight goals and 20 assists in 62 games with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League last season, establishing AHL career highs in goals, points, and plus minus with a plus 20.

Johansen finished the season ranked first among Hershey defensemen in plus minus and second in goals, assists and points. Additionally, Johansen’s 62 games played marked his highest total since the 2017-18 season when he suited up for 74 games.

Johansen also appeared in all three of Hershey’s playoff games, recording one assist. In 195 career AHL games with the Bears, Johansen recorded 73 points with 17 goals and 56 assists.

The Caps now have $8,978,334 in cap space. That doesn’t include placing Nicklas Backstrom nor Tom Wilson on long term injured reserve which they can’t necessarily do until free agency begins on Wednesday.

It is likely there will be a role for Johansen next season. Matt Irwin, Michal Kempny, and Justin Schultz are all unrestricted free agents and it’s highly unlikely the Caps will try to re-sign them. Now that they made a decision today between the goaltenders, they now have to shop for a veteran on the market.

If you thought the last two days were crazy, you ain’t seen nothing yet.