The Washington Capitals announced on Wednesday that they re-signed center Nic Dowd to a two year, $6 million contract extension that will carry an average annual value of $3 million
Another smart move by Chris Patrick
Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said in a team press release following the move:
"Nic has been an integral member of our team, both on the ice and in our leadership and we are excited to extend his contract for an additional two years. During his time in Washington, Nic has proven to be a consistent and reliable two-way player who can be trusted in all situations. This signing solidifies our depth at the critical center position as we move forward. Off the ice, Nic has been a consummate professional and has made significant contributions to our community through his charitable efforts. "Chris Patrick
The 34 year old center has recorded a career high 27 points in 81 games this season with 14 goals and 13 assists. Dowd's 14 goals and 81 games played are also single season career highs. The 2024-25 season has been Dowd's most productive offensive year, despite having the lowest five on five offensive start zone percentage at 11.8 percent in the NHL among forwards with at least 20 games played.
Dowd ranks first among Capitals forwards and fourth among NHL forwards in shorthanded ice time per game at 2:35 and third among Washington centers in ice time per game at 15:10, behind only Dylan Strome (17:26) and Pierre-Luc Dubois (17:20).
Dowd's 2:35 of shorthanded ice time per game is the highest average of his career while his 15:10 minutes of ice time marks his second highest single season average. The six foot two, 190 pound center also ranks second on Washington in face off wins with 589 and is tied for second in shorthanded goals with two.
Recently Dowd was awarded the organizations second annual Caps Care Community Award in honor of his efforts in the community throughout the season. He was heavily involved in his own player program Dowd's Crowd which was launched in 2018 by Nic and his wife Paige to provide children with sensory needs the ability to attend and enjoy a Caps game.
Tickets to the game and a Dowd's Crowd branded sensory kit filled with items to accomodate sensory needs are provided to recipients who are selected through local organizations and schools. They also receive a tour of the arena postgame as well as meeting Dowd himself.
Dowd signed with the Capitals as a free agent on July 1, 2018 and is in his seventh season with Washington. Since making his Capitals debut on Oct. 3, 2018, the Huntsville, Alabama native ranks first on the team in face off wins (2,972), second in plus/minus (+47) and shorthanded points (150).
Dowd was orginally drafted with the Los Angeles Kings in the seventh round at 198th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft. In 581 career games with Washington, Vancouver Canucks, and LA, Dowd has registered 176 points with 84 goals and 92 assists.
Dowd is a great man both on and off the ice and we are lucky to have had him call D.C. home for the last seven seasons. Now he's here for at least two more which helps shore up the center position. This was the right move rather than having him test free agency as a UFA. And this needed to get done right before the playoffs.