Jose Theodore Says Capitals Were Best Shot At Cup The Washington Capitals have struck gold with defenseman Jakob Chychrun, and now that they have more information regarding the salary cap, they're in a better position to sign him long-term. The NHL and NHLPA announced on Friday that the cap will increase over the next three seasons, going up by $7.5 million next year, $8.5 million the following year and $9.5 million in 2027-28. Those increases would set Team Payroll Ranges for the next three seasons to: 2025-26 Upper Limit: $95.5 Million Lower Limit: $70.6 Million 2026-27 Upper Limit: $104 Million Lower Limit: $76.9 Million 2027-28 Upper Limit: $113.5 Million Lower Limit: $83.9 Million Per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/stupid-sexy-friedman/], Washington is interested in extending the 26-year-old blueliner but expressed the need for more salary cap information first, considering Chychrun, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, will require a major pay raise. Through 46 games this season, Chychrun has racked up 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 games, along with a plus/minus rating of plus-20. He's not only provided offense to the blue line but strength and security on the backend while logging key minutes. "I think (my success has come from me) just being confident and moving my feet, making plays and attacking when the opportunity's there," Chychrun said. "I think my shot has been something I've worked on my whole life and a big part of my game and when I have the opportunity I try to bear down and score a goal. Chychrun has enjoyed his time with the Capitals so far and seems to be interested in a possible extension. He told Grant Paulsen in a recent interview on 106.7 The Fan that he hopes the contract logistics get "taken care of soon." "It's been great. It's been awesome," Chychrun said of his time with Washington so far. "I love these guys in this room. From top to bottom, this organization has been phenomenal. It’s been a great start to the year for this team so I’ve been enjoying it."
