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NHL Free Agency: Capitals sign Carl Hagelin to four-year extension

By Dave Stevenson |
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 11: Carl Hagelin #62 of the Washington Capitals skates with the puck in the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 11: Carl Hagelin #62 of the Washington Capitals skates with the puck in the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)

After creating some cap space, the Washington Capitals announced they have re-signed Carl Hagelin to a four-year deal worth $11 million. He avoids NHL free agency.

The Washington Capitals made a move on Friday, trading defenseman Matt Niskanen to the Philadelphia Flyers for Radko Gudas. They did this primarily to create cap space. On Sunday, the Caps showed why they created their cap space by re-signing forward Carl Hagelin to a four-year deal worth $11 million. He was scheduled to hit NHL free agency.

His contract carries a $2.75 million cap hit. According to Pierre LeBrun, here are the financial details of the deal.

  • 2019-20: $2.5 million salary, $1 million signing bonus
  • 2020-21: $2.7 million salary
  • 2021-22: $2 million salary, $1 million signing bonus
  • 2022-23: $1.8 million salary

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The Caps traded for Hagelin back in February. After the trade, he put up three goals 11 points in 20 games. Hagelin finished the season with 19 points in 58 games. He also added one point in seven postseason games. Hagelin also played for the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins last season.

While the term of the deal seems a bit long for a 31-year-old forward, his cap hit is very reasonable. Hagelin’s contract should prove to be movable if it comes to that. He’s proven to be a valuable contributor in a top-nine role, primarily on the third line.

Hagelin helped the Capitals fix their penalty kill last season, as they were much better after the trade deadline.

He’s a strong defensive forward who primarily relies on his speed to wreak havoc on other teams. Hagelin isn’t much of a goal scorer, but he can drive play on both ends on the ice.

With his contract, the Caps have about $10.735 million of cap space. They’ll need it to re-sign Jakub Vrana.

Their other restricted free agents include Dmitri Jaskin, Andre Burakovsky, Chandler Stephenson and Christian Djoos. They would also like to re-sign pending unrestricted forward Brett Connolly, who is coming off a career season.

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In 546 career regular season games, Hagelin has 93 goals, 148 assists, and 241 points. He has split his career between the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Penguins, Kings, and the Capitals. Hagelin has won two Stanley Cups, both with the Pens (2016 and 2017). He has played in 128 playoff games, posting 48 points.

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