Player: Karl Alzner
Contract: 4 years, $11.2 million ($2.8m AAV)
Expires: 2017
Karl Alzner is creeping up on the franchise record for consecutive games played, and is doing so while receiving top pairing minutes. In this terrific piece by Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post several days ago, we get a glimpse into just how incredible Alzner’s streak is. He was often paired with defenseman John Carlson as they progressed through their young careers, but has now been with Matt Niskanen since he was signed in free agency during the summer of 2015. As the second pairing, they have meshed well and been as reliable as could be expected.
Alzner won’t light up the score sheet, but he will sacrifice his body to block shots (occasionally by throwing the back of his body at the puck) and play very sound defense. He is a very important piece of the Capitals’ fourth-ranked penalty kill, ranking second on the team in shorthanded TOI behind only Matt Niskanen. $2.8 million per year for an above average second pairing defenseman and excellent penalty killer is an absurdly great value for the Washington Capitals.
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