Washington Capitals get it right with Trevor van Riemsdyk

The Washington Capitals made their first big move for next season, securing Trevor van Riemsdyk‘s future in D.C. for at least two more years. After getting him at a bargain one year deal for $800,000 back in October, the Caps liked what they saw from TvR in his limited ice time with a crowded blue line. Perhaps he’ll get even more time next season.

The Caps inked him on Sunday morning to a two year contract extension worth $1.9 million. It’ll carry an average annual value (AAV) of $950,000. A good raise and some money leftover for their biggest priority which is re-signing Alex Ovechkin.

van Riemsdyk has played in just nine games but does have a goal. The six foot three, 188 pound defenseman recorded eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 49 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. In 373 regular season games between the Caps, Chicago Blackhawks, and Carolina, TvR has notched 70 points with 16 goals and 54 assists.

The 29 year old was a Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks in 2015 and has appeared in 26 career playoff games with Chicago and the Hurricanes. The Middletown, New Jersey native played college hockey at the University of New Hampshire from 2011-14.

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van Riemsdyk had a solid freshman year, making it on to the NCAA (Hockey East) All Rookie Team in 2012. During the 2012-13 season, TvR was named to the NCAA (East) First All American Team. He signed on as an undrafted free agent with the Blackhawks on March 24, 2014.

Overall this was a good signing at another good bargain while also giving him a well deserved raise from his efforts the few games he’s played. He recently dressed in three straight games when the Caps carried 11 forwards and seven defensemen with an injury to Lars Eller and a suspension to Tom Wilson.

Jonas Siegenthaler on the other hand looks like he’s been the odd man out all season long, which I feel bad for him. He only dressed for one game but was on the ice for all of 28 seconds and that’s it. Siegenthaler was also signe dlast offseason to a one year, $800,000 deal. He played more consistently last season before the season shut down, only missing just five games and appearing in 64 of the Caps 69 games.

As for the six defensemen who are getting more minutes, the reasoning is Peter Laviolette is most confident in that group. Those guys being John Carlson, Brenden Dillon, Dmitry Orlov, Justin Schultz, Zdeno Chara, and Nick Jensen.

This signing is interesting as it comes well ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. Does this mean someone will likely get moved? What are your thoughts on the TvR extension? Let us know in the comments.