Turns out, Grant & Danny nailed it in all their stumping – an eight-year extension is EXACTLY what Jakob Chyrchun was worth to the Capitals.
On Tuesday, the team announced they have signed the defenseman to an eight-year, $72 million extension, making him the highest-paid Caps defenseman and second highest AAV on the team behind Alex Ovechkin next year.
Chychrun, who turns 27 next week, was acquired from Ottawa last summer and put up a whale of a contract year so far, with 18 goals, 25 assists, and a plus-24 rating in 65 games – already tying or setting career-highs in goals and points, and just two off his career high in assists.
He also leads Washington defensemen in goals, game-winning goals and power-play points.
"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," GM Chris Patrick said in the team’s release announcing the move. "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."
Next year’s NHL salary cap will rise to $95.5 million from $88 million this season, and Chychrun becomes the third defenseman under contract – Matt Roy and Rasmus Sandin – through at least 2029, as well as John Carlson entering his final year in 2025-26.
Chychrun and several other acquisitions have helped the Capitals to an NHL-high 102 points entering play Tuesday, when they face off with the Western Conference-leading Jets in a battle of the top two teams in the league.