Chychrun leads the workforce’s defensemen in targets (18) and has posted a career-high in factors (43) to this point this yr (65 video games). His 18 tallies are probably the most scored by a defenseman of their first yr with Washington.
He trails simply Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar (26) and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski (20) in turning on the purple mild this season amongst these at his position across the league.
“Jakob is a confirmed, dynamic defenseman within the prime of his profession who has established himself as one of many premier blueliners within the NHL,” Capitals common supervisor Chris Patrick said in a statement. “His work ethic, talent set, and skill to excel in all conditions at each ends of the ice make him a useful asset to our workforce. He is an ideal match with our tradition and imaginative and prescient for the long run, and we could not be extra thrilled that he’ll proceed to be a part of our group for the subsequent eight years.”
Washington has change into a completely totally different workforce from its 2023-24 self, going from being the ultimate workforce into the Stanley Cup Playoffs final yr to the primary workforce to clinch a spot this season.
Chychrun’s manufacturing has been an enormous a part of that equation. The Capitals boast a 17-0-1 report when he has scored this yr.
With simply 4 extra factors, Chychrun will break the franchise report for many factors scored by a defenseman of their first season with Washington. Yet one more objective and he’ll set a profession excessive.
Chychrun was drafted sixteenth general by the Arizona Coyotes in 2016 earlier than being traded to Ottawa.
Along with his new contract operating by the 2033-34 NHL season, when he can be 35 years outdated, it appears believable Chychrun might shut out his skilled profession with Washington.