“Shock Move: Capitals Lock Down Star Defenseman Jakob Chychrun with Massive $72 Million Deal – What This Means for the Team’s Future!”

In a significant move that solidifies their future, the Washington Capitals have just announced a monumental contract extension for defenseman Jakob Chychrun. This isn’t just any deal; it’s an eight-year, $72 million commitment that keeps Chychrun in D.C. through the 2032-33 season. Originally slated to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, Chychrun’s new deal boasts an annual average value of $9 million, placing him among the highest earners on the roster, second only to the legendary Alex Ovechkin. Capitals GM Chris Patrick expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting Chychrun’s elite skills and vital role within the team’s vision moving forward. With a career-best performance this season, Chychrun has emerged as a linchpin in the Capitals’ lineup, underscoring just how pivotal he is for their championship aspirations. Exciting days lie ahead for both Chychrun and the Capitals fans alike! LEARN MORE

The Washington Capitals have locked down a significant source of their scoring from the backend this season to a long-term contract extension.

The Capitals announced they re-signed defenseman Jakob Chychrun to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension on Tuesday morning. Chychrun was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Chychrun’s new deal carries an annual average value of $9 million, making him the second-highest paid player on the team next season, behind only Alex Ovechkin ($9.5 million).

👏 CHYCHY’S LOCKED IN 👏

The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Jakob Chychrun to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension. Chychrun’s contract will carry an average annual value of $9 million.#ALLCAPS | @Shift4

— x – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 25, 2025

The extension will see Chychrun remain under contract with the Capitals through the 2032-33 season. He is the only player in the organization who has a contract that long, marked to stay in DC two more years than Tom Wilson, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Logan Thompson, who are all signed through the 2030-31 campaign.

“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,” Capitals GM Chris Patrick said in a statement. “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.”

Chychrun arrived in DC via trade with the Ottawa Senators on the first day of NHL free agency last summer. The Caps dealt defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round draft pick to secure Chychrun with one year remaining on his previous contract at a $4.6 million cap hit.

The 26-year-old defenseman is having a career-best year, posting 43 points (18g, 25a) in 65 games with the league-leading Capitals. He is third among all NHL defenders in goal-scoring this season, trailing only Cale Makar (26) and Zach Werenski (20).

Here’s the full press release from the Capitals:

Capitals Re-sign Jakob Chychrun

26-year-old leads Washington defensemen in goals, game-winning goals and power-play points

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Jakob Chychrun to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension, senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick announced today. Chychrun’s contract will carry an average annual value of $9 million.

“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,” said Patrick. “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.”

Since the start of the 2020-21 season, Chychrun ranks third in the NHL in power-play goals (22) and tied for third in goals (66) among defensemen. Only Colorado’s Cale Makar (100 goals, 36 power-play goals) and Nashville’s Roman Josi (81 goals, 31 power-play goals) have more goals and power-play goals than Chychrun in that span.

Chychrun, 26, has recorded a career-high 43 points (18g, 25a) in 65 games with Washington this season. Chychrun ranks first among NHL defensemen in game-winning goals (6), tied for second in power-play goals (5), third in goals and tied for sixth in even-strength goal differential (+26). Among Capitals blueliners, the 6’2”, 216-pound defenseman ranks first in goals, game-winning goals, power-play goals and power-play points (14), second in assists, points and ice time per game (20:56) and tied for second in plus-minus (+24). Chychrun, who has eclipsed the 40-point mark for the second straight season and the third time in his career, is one goal shy of establishing a new single season career high (also 18g in 56 GP in 2020-21). The Capitals have a record of 17-0-1 when Chychrun scores this season.

The Capitals acquired Chychrun from the Ottawa Senators on July 1, 2024, for defenseman Nick Jensen and Washington’s third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Chychrun’s 18 goals are the most by a defenseman in his first season with the Capitals, while his 43 points are the second most (Larry Murphy: 13g-33a–46p in 1983-84). Chychrun appeared in all 82 games for Ottawa last season and is one of five Capitals defensemen to play in at least 65 of the team’s 70 games this season.

Chychrun, who was originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the first round (16th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, led NHL defensemen in goals (18) during the 2020-21 season while with Arizona. The Boca Raton, Florida native has recorded 259 points (94g, 165a) in 532 career games with Washington, Ottawa and Arizona.