Jakob Chychrun is having a monster year for the Washington Capitals, and now he’s being rewarded for it. The star defenseman has lit the lamp 18 times this season, leading all Caps blueliners and setting a new franchise record for goals by a defenseman in their first year with the team.
Only two NHL defensemen have scored more goals this season – Colorado’s Cale Makar with 26 and Columbus’s Zach Werenski with 20.
The 25-year-old has racked up 43 points in 65 games, and he’s not done yet. He’s just one goal away from setting a new career high.
Here’s the really impressive part: When Chychrun scores, the Capitals just don’t lose. They’re 17-0-1 in games where he finds the back of the net.
"Jakob is a proven, dynamic defenseman in the prime of his career," said Capitals GM Chris 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."
What a difference a year makes. The Capitals barely squeaked into the playoffs last season as the final seed. This year? They’re the first team to punch their ticket to the postseason.
Chychrun’s journey to Washington has been interesting. The Arizona Coyotes picked him 16th overall in 2016, and he made a stop in Ottawa before landing with the Caps.
Now he’s found his home. His new contract runs through 2033-34, when he’ll be 35 years old. There’s a good chance he’ll finish his career in Washington.
He’s just four points away from breaking another record – most points by a defenseman in their first season with the Capitals. At this rate, that mark won’t last long.
