The Washington Capitals announced on Tuesday morning that they re-signed defenseman Jakob Chychrun. The 26 year old leads the Caps in goals, game winning goals and power play points among defensemen. The deal is eight years and $72 million and will carry an average annual value or AAV of $9 million.
Caps GM Chris Patrick gets it right for both the present and the future
Chris Patrick said in a team press release:
"Jakob is a proven, dynamic defenseman in the prime of his career who has established himself as one of the premier blueliners in the NHL. His work ethic, skill set, and ability to excel in all situations at both ends of the ice make him a valuable asset to our team. He is a perfect fit with our culture and vision for the future, and we couldn't be more thrilled that he will continue to be part of our organization for the next eight years."Chris Patrick
Since the beginning of the 2020-21 season, Chychrun ranks third in the NHL in power play goals with 22 and tied for third in goals with 66 among defensemen. Only Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Roman Rosi of the Nashville Predators have more goals and power play goals in that span.
Makar has 100 goals and 36 power play goals while Josi has 81 goals and 33 power play goals. Chychrun has recorded a career high 43 points in 65 games with the Capitasl this season with 18 goals and 25 assists. The 26 year old ranks first among NHL defensemen in game winning goals with six, tied for second in power play goals with five, third in goals and tied for sixth in even strength goal differential with a +26.
Among Capitals defensemen, the six foot two, 216 pound blueliner ranks first in goals, game winning goals, power play goals and power play points with 14 while ranked second in assists, points and ice time per game at 20:56. He's also tied for second in plus/minus with +24.
Chychrun bypassed the 40 point mark for the second straight season and third time in his career and is one goal shy of establishing a new single season career high. Washington is 17-0-1 when Chychrun scores this season.
How he got here
Chychrun was acquired from the Ottawa Senators on July 1, 2024 for defenseman Nick Jensen and Washington's third round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. His 18 goals are the most by a defenseman in his first season with the Capitals while his 43 points are the second most behind Larry Murphy's 46 points in the 1983-84 season.
Last season Chychrun appeared in all 82 games for Ottawa and is one of five Capitals defensemen to play in at least 65 of the team's 70 games this season.
Chychrun originally was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the first round at 16th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. He led defensemen in goals with 18 during the 2020-21 season while with Arizona. The Boca Raton, Florida native has recorded 259 points in 532 career games (94 goals and 165 assists) in 532 career games with Washington, Ottawa and Arizona.
This was a home run acquistion at the time. But none of us knew how good Chychrun was going to be. He not only met expectations but he far exceeded them this season. A lot of people will say this was a heavy price tag. But for the season he had, he earned that money. Chris Patrick and the Capitals did a pleasant job getting this deal done before the playoffs begin.