ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals said they had plans to stay busy as free agency got underway, and they didn't disappoint, making quite a splash before the market opened by trading for defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
Washington sent Nick Jensen and a 2025 third-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Chychrun, who D.C. believes can become a core member of the mix.
Chychrun is an offensive defenseman who can move the puck with aplomb and brings size and speed to the table. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound defenseman is a mobile skater and loves to join the rush, and he can also help quarterback a power play with his booming shot. He logs heavy minutes, and on the other side of the puck, he doesn't shy away from blocking shots and he has good hockey sense, too.
“Jakob is a 26-year-old offensive defenseman who has nearly 500 games of NHL experience. His unique skill set and experience will undoubtedly bolster our blueline, substantially increasing our offensive capabilities," general manager Brian MacLellan said.
Related: Capitals Continue To Bolster Blue Line, Sign Matt Roy To Long-Term Deal After Jakob Chychrun Trade
Chychrun has one year left on his contract at $4.6 million and then becomes an unrestricted free agent. However, if he fits in, he could very well get an extension and sign a deal to join D.C. long-term.
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Washington acquired Chychrun to not only bolster the blue line but continue to address the team's struggles on offense. The Capitals managed the fifth-least goals per game this past season, with John Carlson and Rasmus Sandin really providing the most offense from the blue line.
They needed another contributor from the blue line, and that's why Chychrun was the perfect target. With him joining the mix, along with Matt Roy, D.C. was able to revamp the blue line and take a big step forward on the backend.
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