Capitals GM MacLellan On Chychrun Trade, Possibility Of Extension For Defenseman

The Capitals blueliner has one year left on his contract.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals are no strangers to Jakob Chychrun.

Washington had been in on the defenseman on a few occasions in the past, but hadn't been able to get a deal done as the Ottawa Senators beat out the competition for him. This time around, though, general manager Brian MacLellan would be on the winning side, acquiring Chychrun from Ottawa for Nick Jensen and a pick.

For MacLellan, it was about adding another piece that can help the offense, an area where D.C. struggled last season.

"Just the elements (he can) provide... the offense, the shot, the ability to jump in the play," MacLellan said of acquiring Chychrun, adding, "We want to spend more time in the offensive zone, and I think (Chychrun and our other additions) are going to help that."

Chychrun himself is excited about the change in scenery and believes that Washington will be a "great fit" for his game.

"I’m just so excited to be able to help contribute to this team and try to take this team into the playoffs (again)... everything just seemed like it happened the way it was supposed to and I’m just thrilled to be able to join the Capitals," Chychrun said.

When it comes to his long-term future, the team will be patient. Chychrun, 26, has one year left on his contract at $4.6 million, and they don't plan to rush him into extension talks.

"We'll wait, we'll see how the fit is, both for him, if he likes the organization, the coaches, his role," MacLellan said. "We've got a lot of time to figure that one out."