Nick Jensen earned his extension

The Washington Capitals did a lot of things around the NHL trade deadline. They not only sold off some expiring contracts. They also kept those who’s expiring contracts were worth keeping. One example was extending Nick Jensen.

It came on Feb. 28 just when we all were about to go to bed. It is a three year extension worth an average annual value of $4.05 million that will kick in starting this year.

Jensen tied a career high five goals last season (he also had five the season before). He also had a career high 24 assists and 29 points. He was one of the few bright spots on the Capitals defense that was mostly banged up.

His advanced stats don’t disappoint either. Last season Jensen had a Corsi For percentage of 49.30 percent, a 49.79 percent Expected Goals For percentage and a 48.78 percent High Danger Chances For percentage, via Natural Stat Trick.

In addition, Jensen averaged a career high 20:37 average minutes of ice time. He also blocked 128 shots and delivered 107 hits. His 128 blocked shots are the most in his career while his 107 hits are the second highest.

Jensen will be a Washington Capital through the 2025 26 season. His advanced stats make him an underrated asset especially with highly favorable results in possession and defensive metrics.

With this recent retool of the roster as well as Brian MacLellan’s contract extension, expect Jensen to be a big key to the blue line this upcoming season. He could line up in the second pairing alongside Rasmus Sandin and I think the two of them can dominate and shut it down.

What’s interesting about the defense which should be led up top by John Carlson and Martin Fehervary, is that the third pairing should be the battle lots of folks keep their eyes on come training camp time. Stay tuned.