“Capitals get a big piece of business done before the playoffs,” Elliotte Friedman wrote on X. So what was the reporter talking about? The Washington Capitals secured a contract extension with star defenseman, Jakob Chychrun. Despite his designation on the ice, Chychrun also became known for his offensive ability, helping the Capitals become one of the league’s top teams.

Friedman also revealed that the Capitals’ defenseman signed an eight-year, $72 million ($9 million annually) extension with the team. Yet, little did the defenseman know that the team would congratulate him with a prank. NHL.com’s regional writer Tom Gulitti posted a picture of the 26-year-old during the morning skate in Winnipeg. It was a welcome sight considering he had to skip practice on Monday because of a terrible looking skate cut he had sustained during the last game against the Florida Panthers. But, something was off about his practice jersey.

“Someone having fun with Jakob Chychrun about his new contract fastened a little cash to the back of his jersey,” wrote Gulitti. He also posted a snapshot of Chychrun staking onto the ice with a dollar bill stuck to his back with a piece of tape. However, Gulitti didn’t know who pranked Chychrun or if the whole team was in on it.

One thing’s for sure; General Manager Chris Patrick seemed delighted with both the defenseman and the long-term deal. “Jakob is a proven, dynamic defenseman in the prime of his career who has established himself as one of the premier blue liners in the NHL,” said Patrick after sealing the deal. Yet, the praise didn’t just end there.

“His work ethic, skillset and ability to excel in all situations at both ends of the ice make him a valuable asset to our team.” continued the Capitals GM. There was a good reason behind Patrick praising Jakob Chychrun. The Washington Capitals defenseman is among the best in the entire league, proving his offensive-defenseman credentials in the standings.

The 26-year-old is sporting stellar stats this season with 18 goals. That’s more than all the other Capitals defensemen combined. This third-highest-scoring defenseman in the league also has 25 assists and a career-high 43 points in 65 games. The ice hocey star also expressed how he felt after agreeing to the massive contract.

Jakob Chychrun gets honest about his extension

Players sometimes refrain from saying too much about their contracts. However, the Florida native had no qualms about expressing exactly how he felt after signing the extension with the Capitals. “I’m really happy with how things went and getting something done as we get towards the end of the season here and not have to think about it going into the playoffs,” said the Chychrun.

Jakob Chychrun was all glad he didn’t have to test free agency, either. The defenseman’s coach was also among those who were glad the Capitals could sign an agreement with the NHL star. Chychrun’s versatility has helped Coach Spencer Carbery switch up a few things. For example, Carbery has tried putting the 26-year-old in John Carlson’s spot during the power play.

The Washington Capitals coach explained that the defenseman is “more cerebral, doesn’t move as much, finds shot tips, shot lanes: a distributor.” Hence, his inclusion in the power play has also helped the Capitals diversify it. So what do you think? Does the D-man offer enough for such a huge contract extension? Let us know in the comments.