Capitals sign Nick Jensen to three-year, $12.15 million extension

The 32-year-old is currently in the final year of a four-year, $10 million contract the signed in 2019; he was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has registered a career-high 24 points (two goals, 22 assists) in 62 games this season. Jensen plays a critical role on the penalty kill and sits third among Capitals players logging 20:58 of ice time per game. This signing is important as it has the potential to take a valuable trade target off the market ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.

Jensen found himself as a new target, sitting at No.15 on Seravalli’s most recent trade targets board. As Seravalli indicates, Jensen “does a masterful job at managing the forecheck in pressure situations.” With the Capitals keen on both buying and selling right now, Jensen was a player to keep an eye on for a contending team to scoop up. 

General Manager Brian MacLellan has not been shy of making moves, already trading Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway to the Boston Bruins, then trading Marcus Johansson to the Minnesota Wild, followed up by acquiring Rasmus Sandin from the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s been a busy week in the nation’s capital.

Jensen was originally selected 150th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. A grind to get to the NHL, the Minnesota product made his debut with the Red Wings in the 2016-17 campaign, recording 13 points in 49 games. Jensen was dealt to the Capitals in 2019 for Madison Bowey and a fifth-round pick. Throughout his seven-year career, he has registered 115 points (15 goals, 100 assists) in 469 contests.