Washington Capitals: 5 Things they Must Do this Offseason

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 24: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with Tom Wilson (43) after his first period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during game seven of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

2 of 6

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 24: Jakub Vrana #13 of the Washington Capitals celebrates after scoring a goal in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena on March 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Washington Capitals need to give Jakub Vrana a raise, a big one. It’s fitting that this is the first thing listed here in this “five things” list. The decision on Vrana is the first big domino to fall that determines the course of the summer.

Similar to T.J. Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov in 2017 and Tom Wilson in 2018, there’s no doubt the Washington Capitals will give Jakub Vrana a good payday. There’s debate on whether it’ll be a short-term bridge deal or a long term contract.

Wilson was a restricted free agent last summer (RFA), which is what Vrana will enter this summer as. Wilson’s deal was worth six years for $31 million. Expect Vrana to get something a little similar. I’d say it would be in the avenue of 5-6 years between $25-30 million.

Why all that money committed to V? Because of the season he had last year. Vrana scored a career-high 24 goals and 23 assists (47 points). His speed, work ethic, positive attitude and good vibes are vibrant in that locker room. His future is even brighter, Vrana just recently turned 23.

Locking in a young rising superstar like Vrana doesn’t just impact the Capitals this season. It’ll impact them for years to come.

Home/Capitals News