Capitals Re-Sign Jensen, Ensure Blue Line Depth Past 2023

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals are bringing back Nick Jensen for three more years.

Washington announced on Tuesday that it re-signed the defenseman to a three-year deal that carries an AAV of $4.05 million.

The 32-year-old blueliner has appeared in 62 games for the Capitals this season, picking up two goals and 24 assists (the most among Capitals defensemen) for 26 points, which marks a single-season career high. He also has 110 blocks and 90 hits, and his 20:58 average ice time per game ranks third on the team. He has been a steady presence and has helped provide offense from the backend with John Carlson out long-term after he took a slap shot to the face on Dec. 23.

The extension comes after a long day for Washington, where general manager Brian MacLellan traded Erik Gustafsson to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Rasmus Sandin and also dealt Marcus Johansson to the Minnesota Wild for a 2024 third-round pick.

READ MORE ON WHN: Erik Gustafsson Expressed Desire To Stay With Washington Capitals Before Trade To Toronto For Rasmus Sandin

With this deal, the Capitals ensure they have some security on the blue line in the coming years. Jensen, who was set to hit free agency this offseason and has had his name come up amid league-wide trade speculation, joins Carlson and Sandin as the only defensemen whose deals extend past this season.

Washington now has eight remaining free agents on their regular roster to address, including forwards Conor Sheary, Lars Eller, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Craig Smith and defensemen Martin Fehervary, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Matt Irwin and Alex Alexeyev.

The NHL Trade Deadline is on March 3 at 3 p.m. ET. And given the team's approach so far, more pending UFAs could be on the move in the next 72 hours.