During a busy off-season, the Capitals acquired 26-year-old American defenseman Jakob Chychrun from the Ottawa Senators for Nick Jensen and a 2026 third round draft pick.

The Capitals have had a long interest in Chychrun, going back to the 2023 trade deadline. Though Chychrun has had some rough tumbles with injuries (two knee injuries and a wrist injury) that kept him on the sidelines for portions of multiple seasons, it’s no surprise the Capitals pursued Chychrun so aggressively. He’s a versatile piece for the blue line. He brings size and strength at 6’2” 205lbs, and likely could fit into any of the three D-pairings. Per Capitals President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan, Chychrun gives the Caps the ability to “move the left side around depending on what they [the coaching staff] want to accomplish matchup-wise.”

Following in his dad and uncle’s footsteps (both former NHLers), Chychrun was first drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in 2016 at number 16 overall. Through 6 seasons with the Coyotes, Chychrun racked up 170 points, averaging almost one point every two games. He is no stranger to big minutes on ice, either. Besides his rookie year, Chychrun has averaged over 20 minutes of ice time each season. This will help alleviate some TOI stress from the rest of the Capitals blue line, particularly so John Carlson won’t have to play almost half the game.

After his time with the Coyotes, Chychrun was dealt to the Senators near the 2022-23 trade deadline. The Coyotes were in a rebuild, and Chychrun wanted to go to a playoff-contending team.

With the Senators, Chychrun never really seemed to find a good rhythm. But, the Senators have been trying to find their rhythm for a while now with minimal success. Chychrun noted how “I felt I wasn’t playing my best hockey. I was a little bit frustrated with the way I was playing. I think, you know, the coaching change and ownership change was tough. The ownership change was tough on a lot of guys.”

Chychrun seemed excited to bring his skill set to Washington. During media availability after the trade, he talked about how the Capitals have “done a great job of improving the team and I’m thrilled honestly. I think it’s a great fit for me personally and I’m just so excited to be able to help contribute to this team and try to take this team into the playoffs.”

To back up his excitement, Chychrun has already started skating in Capitals gear. He’ll wear #6 for the team.

Off the ice, Chychrun has always kept himself busy with community involvement. After his cousin Daron Richardson tragically passed away of suicide in 2010, Chychrun became a vocal advocate for mental health. He started Do It For Daron, an organization promoting mental health awareness, education and research. He has also donated time and money to various other mental health-focused foundations, including serving as a Community Ambassador for Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock. As an Ambassador, he has worked with local area initiatives, appeared at VIP member experiences, such as one event where he helped present a $10,000 check to the Alzheimer’s Society.