The Washington Capital team announced another major reinforcement measure during their offseason on Monday. They not only signed a six-year contract worth up to $34.5 million with experienced guard Matt Roy, but also successfully brought in young and promising attacking guard Jacob Chirchulen through a deal with the Ottawa Senators. This series of operations marks another solid step for the Capital team in building their championship lineup.
Roy’s joining undoubtedly adds important stability and depth to the Blue Line of the Capital team. Last season with the Los Angeles Kings, this right-handed defender gained widespread recognition for his resilience on the defensive end and his contribution on the offensive end (25 points, including 5 goals and 20 assists). General Manager Brian McClellan is full of expectations for Roy’s joining, believing that he will become a crucial part of the capital team’s defensive system in the coming years.
“Matt is the kind of defender who can stand up against top players at critical moments,” McClellan said. “His sense of responsibility and stability is exactly what we need, and we believe his arrival will greatly enhance our blue line strength.”
In order to obtain Chichulun, the Capital team spared no effort in giving Nick Johnson and a valuable third round draft pick in the 2026 NHL draft. Qichulun’s performance with the Senate team last season was impressive, as he contributed 41 points (14 goals and 27 assists) in 82 games, and became an indispensable member of the team with his excellent sliding speed and keen attacking sense. At the age of only 26, he has nearly 500 NHL games of experience, and his joining will undoubtedly further enhance the attacking firepower of the capital team.
“Jacob is a dynamic and creative defender, and his arrival will inject new vitality into our attacking end,” McClellan praised Chichulun’s joining. “His skills and experience will greatly enrich our tactical choices, allowing us to have more changes in the game.”
In addition, the Capital team also announced a new two-year contract with forward Brandon Duhem, a 27 year old player who showed impressive form last season, contributing 13 points (5 goals and 8 assists) to the team. Duheim’s signing further consolidated the forward line of the capital team, adding more possibilities for the team’s journey to the championship in the new season.
It is worth noting that this is already the fourth major trade for the Capital team during their offseason. Previously, they had already brought in several strong players from teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and Las Vegas Golden Cavaliers, demonstrating the team’s management’s ambitious vision for the new season.
For Roy, joining the Capital team means he has the opportunity to fight alongside a group of teammates who are equally eager to win. “Every player dreams of winning the championship,” Roy said. “I am delighted to be a member of the Capital team. There are all the elements of success here, and I believe we can definitely move towards our goals.”
With the addition of Roy, Chicharun, and Durham, the strength of the Washington Capital team’s lineup has significantly improved. The horn of the new season is about to sound, and the capital team is ready to start, ready to write their own brilliant chapter on the ice.
