Seven years ago, Nic Dowd hit free agency and had interest from just one team: the Washington Capitals. It was only a one-year deal, and Dowd signed it not knowing what'd come next.
Little did he know that after he put pen to paper, he'd become a staple in D.C. on and off the ice, and seven years later, would still be in the District.
"I never anticipated to be here for this long," Dowd told reporters on Wednesday.
Now, it's likely that Dowd will finish his career in D.C. after signing a two-year, $6 million extension on Wednesday.
"Just really happy to be a Capital... (my family and I will) realize how special and lucky we were to be a part of this organization, in my opinion, probably one of the top organizations in the NHL," Dowd said, adding, "It's been such a privilege to be here."
Over seven seasons with the Capitals, Dowd has become a key part of the team's success and culture. Not only does he drive the powerhouse fourth line and serve as a top penalty killer and one of the league's best defensive centers, but he's also a vital leader in the dressing room.
"He leaves his teammates in a better spot when he comes off the ice. He's always the first one to change in the o-zone, he's always the first one in on the battles," Tom Wilson noted. "He works extremely hard every single night."
For Dowd, he has grown not only as a player, but as a person over his lengthy tenure in Washington, and being with the same team has also helped him take his game to a new level. This season, he established a career high in goals and points while also getting to serve as an assistant captain on muliple occasions.
"To play in the NHL for that long is something to say the least, that's a privilege in itself, but to be in the same organization, surrounded by some of the best players in the world, is another thing," Dowd said.
He and his wife, Paige, have also made a positive impact on the D.C. community with their program "Dowd's Crowd," which helps kids with autism and strives to make the game of hockey more accessible to fans. He also started "The Assist," which is a sensory kit that enables fans with sensory needs to attend hockey games.
"He's the man... truly a class act," linemate Brandon Duhaime said.
Dowd's new deal took a bit longer to come together for the 34-year-old, but it was worth the wait, considering he didn't want to hit the open market in July.
"I didn’t wanna go anywhere else and have to reestablish myself, not only in the NHL but with another coaching staff, general manager, players. It's tough in the NHL," Dowd said. "It takes time to get to a point where you feel like you're a member of that organization to the point where what you say matters."
Not only that, but the culture that the Capitals have established made it a no-brainer for Dowd to stay.
"I would really like to say I’m a big believer in, if you surround yourself with good people that want you to be successful, you’re going to have success, and if you’re a good person and if you work hard and do the right things, good things are going to come to you," Dowd said. "This organization is chock-full of good people and I think that’s what separates us from the rest of the league and that’s why guys want to stay here when they get here."
Seven Years Later, Nic Dowd Continues To Be A Vital Part Of The Capitals' Heartbeat: 'He Leaves His Teammates In A Better Spot'
At 34, the Capitals pivot is on pace for a career year.
As he continues his career in D.C., Dowd is looking forward to continuing to play a key role, but also continuing to serve as a veteran leader and mentor, a role he's been able to step into thanks to leaders like Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, among others, paving the way for him.
“The hockey part of it’s great, but I think the people who drive the bus... we have a lot of great people and to be an older guy trying to facilitate younger guys in any way possible has also been really special," Dowd said.