Capitals sign major piece of their blue line to seven-year extension

The Washington Capitals have made their first official move of the 2025 NHL Free Agency period.

Washington has agreed with Martin Fehervary on a seven-year, $42 million extension that will pay the Slovakian defenseman an average annual salary (AAV) of $6 million.

Fehervary, 25, has been a crucial piece to the puzzle when it comes to the Caps getting younger while also remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference. This season, Fehervary was one of the team's best defenseman, appearing in 81 games and recording 25 points, a career high, while averaging 19 minutes of ice time a night. He missed the playoffs with a meniscus injury that he suffered on April 15 against the New York Islanders.

"Martin possesses all the core qualities of a Washington Capital," said Chris Patrick, the general manager of the Caps. "His skating ability, conditioning and tireless competitiveness, combined with a team first attitude and relentless drive to excel, make him a vital part of our blue line. Signing him to a long-term contract at just 25 years old is an exciting step for the future of our organization.”

Fehervary's contract will begin with the 2026-2027 season and carry into 2032-2033.

Since becoming a full-time member of the Caps in 2021-2022, Fehervary leads the franchise in hits with 795, which is also sixth-best in the National Hockey League.

For his career, the 2026 Winter Olympian has 75 points in the District, making his debut in 2019 at the age of 19.