Geoff Burke — Imagn ImagesARLINGTON, V.A. — For Jakob Chychrun, the Washington Capitals have been the perfect fit.
The 26-year-old has felt at home since arriving in the District, leading all Washington blueliners in scoring with 14 goals and 35 points through 50 games this season, and he is on pace for a career-high 54 points.
All the while, the Capitals lead the Eastern Conference, and he is preparing for his first legitimate run at the Stanley Cup come spring.
"I've never been in this position with a team, with an organization, so it's something I've been really looking forward to," Chychrun said, adding, "We're excited, and we know what we're capable of. The potential is there, and the sky's the limit for us."
That being said, Chychrun has enjoyed every minute in D.C. so far, from his time on the ice to the camaraderie he shares with his teammates, and he has expressed interest in sticking around.
"Hopefully (I'm) here for a long time," Chychrun said.
There have been preliminary talks between Chychrun and the Capitals regarding an extension, but there hasn't been any further conversation since the 4 Nations break.
Chychrun, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July, isn't worried too much about getting something done, though. He doesn't want negotiations or outside noise about his future to be a distraction, and he just wants to focus on making his mark on the ice.
"I just don't know if I want to open that can of worms right now; I think it's just exciting for us to be in this position, and I want to really focus on that," Chychrun said. "If we talk about that every day, it can be distracting, and I just want to be in the present.
"I think it's so important to be present in the moment. I've never been part of a team where we're getting ready for a big postseason, so that's definitely going to be my main focus. I'm just excited and thrilled for that, and staying in the moment."
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