Washington Capitals Extend Dependable Defenceman

Some may look at the five goals and 20 assists for 25 points the Slovakian defenceman had this season and call it an overpayment. It’s not. Fehervary is not a point producer, and he’s there to be a shutdown guy. He gets the task of keeping the best players on the opposition quiet, and he was a large part of the Caps’ success. He’ll be paid deservingly for his role this year.

What This Means for Fehervary

The Slovakian defender has opted out of his restricted free agency next summer by signing this deal. He was one of the better defencemen for the Capitals this season, and his presence made a huge difference. In the past, Fehrevary has struggled with injury. He missed almost 15 games in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. However, he only sat once in 2024-25, and it played a key role in the Capitals return to contention. They’ll be hoping for more growth out of their 2018 second-round draft pick. It’s a good bet to assume the 25-year-old will continue to improve.

There is a risk to this for Washington due to his injury history. However, with the cap scheduled to reach somewhere near $115 million within the next three years, it will take up a smaller percentage, which will free up space. The term makes this deal suitable for the team. The cap hit benefits the player. This is a rare example of a contract that benefits both sides equally from day one and in the long term.

What This Means for the Capitals

Washington now has the core of its blueline extended with Jakob Chychrun, Rasmus Sandin, and now Fehervary under contract. There will be questions about John Carlson, who’s contract is up at the end of next summer, but that’s a question for a different time. For now, as Fehervary signs, Washington will begin looking to add to its forward core. They need more help upfront if they’re going to surpass last year’s performance. The defence was solid in the postseason, but they couldn’t score.

This extension doesn’t affect the Capitals’ cap space this summer, as the deal kicks in on July 1 next year. They still have $8.5 million to do some shopping this summer. Capitals general manager Chris Patrick will be looking at all areas to improve his roster. He’ll be hoping that this isn’t the only signing they get done today.

What This Sets for the Market

As Fehervary signs, it is an interesting case because he’s a shutdown defenceman. This is the kind of price we see them go for. Fehervary’s contract will serve as a benchmark for other defencemen in the coming seasons. Having signed now, this is worth remembering. It sets the precedent for restricted free agents in the new, elevated cap era. It likely won’t matter this summer, but next summer, it’ll be one revisited a lot. Washington getting this done early means they won’t have to engage in that firefight next summer to get him extended.

Seven years for $6 million in the current cap climate is a statement. Currently, it’s a good business arrangement for both the team and the player, but that may change. Will the player regret committing so long with the cap increasing drastically? Could there be injury issues that lead the team to regret signing this deal? Will it be that sweet spot where both parties enjoy their marriage? Time will tell.