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Former Capitals forward Jason Chimera flourishing with Islanders

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Jason Chimera (25) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Jason Chimera (25) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Capitals fans will be happy to hear how former Caps forward Jason Chimera is doing with the New York Islanders. 

One of the hardest things to do as a sports fan is say goodbye to a player. Washington Capitals fans found this out the hard way in 2016 when longtime forward Jason Chimera signed with the New York Islanders.

While it’s hard to root for him while wearing the sweater of a rival, it’s even more difficult to wish anything but success for him. Chimera had to work his tail off to get into the league and stay in it. He’s a blue collar player who prides himself in outworking everyone else on the ice. Perhaps this is why Caps fans fell in love with Chimera.

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He signed a two-year deal worth $2.25 million annually with the Islanders. Chimera signed for surprisingly cheap considering he scored 20 goals in the 2015-16 season. However, the Capitals wanted to go in a different direction and get a little bit younger. Luckily, the Caps prepared for his departure by adding Brett Connolly and Lars Eller. With Andre Burakovsky, Washington has a third line that doesn’t miss Chimera.

In the 2016-17 season, the Ice Cheetah once again tied his career high with 20 goals. It’s the first time in his career he’s gotten 20 goals in consecutive seasons. Chimera got to the milestone despite averaging just over 13 minutes of ice time per game. Chimera’s still one of the fastest skaters in the league and age has yet to slow him down.

However, he didn’t make the playoffs in the 2016-17 season with the Islanders. Chimera’s a bit upset about it as a veteran who realizes his time to win a Stanley Cup is quickly disappearing. With the Capitals, he made the postseason in all but one of his seasons. Before finding himself in Washington, Chimera had only reached the postseason twice (once with the Edmonton Oilers and once with the Columbus Blue Jackets). 63 of his 69 postseason games have come in a Capitals sweater.

“I’d rather get 10 goals and be in the playoffs right now than have 20 goals and not be in the playoffs,” Chimera said, via NHL.com.

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It’s great to see Jason Chimera having success away from the Capitals. If only he wasn’t wearing an Islanders jersey. Thanks to preparing efficiently, the Caps don’t miss Chimera on the ice. But fans still miss him a bit off of it.

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