Jakob Chychrun Joins the Capitals for the Long Haul: A $9 Million AAV Move That Could Pay Dividends

The Washington Capitals just made a serious statement with Jakob Chychrun’s new 8-year, $9 million AAV contract. After a splashy offseason trade that brought the talented defenseman to D.C., the Caps are locking him in for the long term. But what does this move really mean for the Capitals and their defense? Let's break it down.

Chychrun’s Career Year: A Defensive Gem with Offensive Spark

In his first season with the Capitals, Jakob Chychrun has been nothing short of impressive. In 65 games, he’s racked up 43 points (18 goals and 25 assists)—a career-high. His 20 minutes of ice time per game have allowed him to play a pivotal role on Washington’s back end, though it’s worth noting his average ice time is down slightly compared to his previous seasons with the Ottawa Senators and Arizona Coyotes.

Looking at his advanced stats, it’s clear why the Capitals are so high on Chychrun. PuckLuck’s WAR data ranks him in the 90th percentile overall. He’s a major force at even strength (90th percentile in offense and 87th in defense) and a huge weapon on the powerplay, where his impact ranks in the 94th percentile. Whether he’s contributing to the offense or shutting down the opposition, Chychrun has proven he’s a top-tier defenseman.

GM Chris Patrick on What Chychrun Brings to the Table

Capitals GM Chris Patrick didn’t mince words when discussing Chychrun’s value to the team. In a statement to Monumental Sports Network, Patrick said:

“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. 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.”

This isn’t just a standard contract extension; this is a bold investment in a player who is expected to be a central figure in Washington’s defense for years to come.

A Perfect Fit for Washington’s Defense

So, what exactly does Chychrun bring to the Capitals? For one, his ability to contribute in all situations makes him incredibly versatile. He’s a shooting defenseman with a knack for scoring above expectation, and his playmaking ability helps drive the team’s offense from the back end. But that’s not all—Chychrun is also a shutdown defender who plays physical when needed and excels at drawing penalties, which complements his team's powerplay ability.

The comparison to blueliners like Cale Makar, Dmitry Orlov, and Josh Morrissey isn’t far off, according to PuckLuck’s data. Chychrun shares many of the attributes that make those players stand out: elite shot generation, high offensive upside, and solid all-around play.

The Contract: Big Money, Big Potential

At $9 million AAV, Chychrun’s deal places him in the same ballpark as some of the league’s top defensemen, like Makar and Dougie Hamilton. While it falls a bit short of Rasmus Dahlin’s $11 million AAV, it’s still a hefty commitment for a player of Chychrun’s caliber. Considering his offensive contributions and two-way ability, this contract looks like a bargain for a player entering the prime of his career.

This deal is significant not just for Chychrun but for the Capitals as a whole. With other key players—like Matt Roy, Rasmus Sandin, Tom Wilson, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Dylan Strome, Aliaksei Protas, and goaltenders Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren—also locked up long-term, the Capitals are setting themselves up for a sustained period of competitiveness.

What Does This Mean for Washington’s Future?

The Capitals are clearly betting on Chychrun to be a foundational piece of their defense for the next eight years. He’s joining a defensive group that also includes long-term contracts for Roy and Sandin, which will help provide stability as older players like John Carlson and Trevor van Riemsdyk are set to hit free agency after the end of next season.

With Chychrun now on board for the long term, the Capitals have another elite blueliner to anchor their defense as they look to remain contenders in the Eastern Conference for years to come. And with his all-around game, Chychrun is poised to make an impact not just this season but for many seasons down the road.

A Smart Investment for the Capitals

Jakob Chychrun’s 8-year, $9 million AAV contract is a bold and strategic move by the Washington Capitals. As one of the most well-rounded defensemen in the league, Chychrun brings both offensive upside and defensive stability, making him a perfect fit for the team’s long-term vision. With this signing, the Capitals are not just securing a top-tier defender—they’re laying the groundwork for sustained success for years to come.