Capitals Lock Down Chychrun with $72 Million Extension
The Washington Capitals have secured defenseman Jakob Chychrun for the long term, signing him to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension. The deal, announced Monday, carries an average annual value of $9 million, ensuring Chychrun remains a key component of the Capitals’ blue line.
Chychrun’s Impact: A Premier NHL Defenseman
Capitals’ General Manager Chris Patrick lauded Chychrun as a “proven, dynamic defenseman” in his prime. Patrick highlighted Chychrun’s work ethic, skill set, and ability to contribute at both ends of the ice as key factors in the team’s decision. The Capitals view chychrun as integral to their culture and future.
Statistical Dominance: Goals and Power Play Prowess
Since the 2020-21 season, Chychrun has established himself as one of the league’s top offensive defensemen. He ranks third among NHL defensemen in power-play goals (22) and is tied for third in total goals (66). Onyl Cale Makar of Colorado and Roman Josi of Nashville have surpassed his goal and power-play goal totals during this period.
Stellar Season: Career Highs and Game-winning Clutches
The 26-year-old Chychrun is having a career year with the Capitals, posting 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in 65 games. He leads all NHL defensemen in game-winning goals (6), is tied for second in power-play goals (5), and ranks third in goals. His even-strength goal differential (+26) is tied for sixth among defensemen. Notably, the Capitals boast a 17-0-1 record when Chychrun scores this season.
Acquisition and Immediate Contribution
The Capitals acquired Chychrun on July 1, 2024, in a trade with the Ottawa Senators, sending defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick the other way. Chychrun’s 18 goals are the most by a defenseman in his first season with the Capitals.
career Overview: From Arizona to Washington
Originally drafted by the arizona Coyotes in the first round (16th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft,Chychrun led NHL defensemen in goals (18) during the 2020-21 season while with Arizona.To date, the Florida native has accumulated 259 points (94 goals, 165 assists) in 532 career games across stints with Washington, Ottawa, and Arizona.
**Q: Now that chychrun is locked up long-term, what specific areas of enhancement might the Capitals address in the remaining offseason? **
Capitals Lock Down Chychrun with $72 Million Extension: Q&A
Here’s a breakdown of the Capitals’ big move, answering your burning questions about Jakob Chychrun’s contract extension:
Q&A
- Q: How long is Chychrun’s new contract with the Capitals?
- A: Eight years.
- Q: What is the total value of the contract?
- A: $72 million.
- Q: what is his average annual salary (AAV)?
- A: $9 million.
- Q: Why did the Capitals extend Chychrun?
- A: General Manager Chris Patrick cited his “proven, dynamic” skills, work ethic, and ability to contribute at both ends of the ice, viewing him as integral to the team’s future.
- Q: How has Chychrun performed statistically since the 2020-21 season?
- A: He ranks third among NHL defensemen in power-play goals (22) and tied for third in total goals (66) during that period.
- Q: What is Chychrun’s stat line for the current season?
- A: 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in 65 games, leading all NHL defensemen in game-winning goals (6).
- Q: When did the Capitals acquire Chychrun?
- A: July 1, 2024, via trade with the Ottawa Senators.
- Q: What did the Capitals give up to acquire Chychrun?
- A: Defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick.
- Q: What is Chychrun’s goal differential?
- A: (+26) and is tied for sixth among defensemen.
- Q: Where was Chychrun drafted and when?
- A: Arizona Coyotes, 16th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft.
- Q: What is his career point total?
- A: 259 points (94 goals, 165 assists) in 532 games.
With Chychrun locked in, the Capitals are banking on his continued impact to bolster their blue line for years to come.