Top Five Contracts on the Washington Capitals

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Oct 31, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner (27) checks Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

Next: #3

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