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Washington Capitals: Michal Kempny will stay

By Ron Juckett

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 07: Michal Kempny #6 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 07: Michal Kempny #6 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 4-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Another key member of the champion Washington Capitals returns. Michal Kempny will sign a multi-year contract on Friday  forgoing free agency.

The Washington Capitals made another move to keep their Stanley Cup Championship squad together. Later on Friday, they will announce a multi-year extension with defenseman Michal Kempny.

A trade deadline acquisition from Chicago, Kempny gave the Caps a defensive boost at the end of the regular season right through the Finals. Along with John Carlson, the top four rearguarder’s will patrol the blueline next year.

With Dmitry Orlov signed through 2023 and Matt Niskanen under control for three more years, Kempny’s return guarantees stability long term. Remember, the ink on Carlson’s eight-year extension has yet to dry.

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An unrestricted free agent, Kempny was free to sign anywhere on July 1. Instead, he is remaining in Washington.

Kempny, who will turn 29 as the pre-season starts, is a native of Czech Republic. Growing up on the border of Slovakia, he played for both national teams. The Slovaks as a junior and the Czechs as a pro. He played in the 2017 World Cup along with two European championships and the 2016 World Championships for his home country.

The 2017-18 NHL campaign was only his second in North America. Before signing with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kempny skated one season for Avangard Omsk in the KHL. Russia’s KHL came after toiling seven years through the ranks of pro Czech leagues.

Kempny has paid his dues and will reap the rewards.

After getting traded by Chicago for a conditional third-round pick, Kempny flourished when Washington needed him this spring. Although his stat sheet numbers are not impressive, he knows the game well and plays a tenacious defense.

In the playoffs, his 44 blocked shots over 24 games averaged 1.83 a night. Kempny will throw hits too, 31 en route to the Cup. That 17:42 in ice time a night did not hurt his cause either. NHL experience, only 103 regular season games, will refine his skills and increase his shot-blocking abilities.

A traditional stay-at-home defenseman, offense is not his game. Between the two teams, Kempny registered 10 points this season. But, as with the entire Caps squad, he improved in the playoffs netting a pair of goals and three assists.

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The Washington Capitals are thrilled Michal Kempny is back. The common theme, from Carlson to Devante Smith-Pelly, is the players love the team and the city. Owning a Stanley Cup does not hurt. Without being a player on the open free agent market, the Caps have filled their shopping list.

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