Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary signed a seven-year, $42 million extension Tuesday, the NHL team announced. The 25-year-old is now under contract through the 2032-33 season.
Fehervary set career bests in assists, points and games played last season, anchoring the blue line for a Capitals squad that earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Slovakian led the Capitals in shorthanded ice time while second on the team in blocked shots and third in hits.
“Martin possesses all the core qualities of a Washington Capital,” Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said. “His skating ability, conditioning and tireless competitiveness, combined with a team-first attitude and relentless drive to excel, make him a vital part of our blue line. Signing him to a long-term contract at just 25 years old is an exciting step for the future of our organization.”
Fehervary missed most of Washington’s postseason run after suffering a torn meniscus in the second-to-last game of the regular season.
The Capitals’ defense struggled without him, especially during the second-round series against the furious attack of the Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina eliminated Washington in five games.
“It’s a massive loss for our team — really feel for him,” coach Spencer Carbery said during the playoff run. “He’s someone that goes unnoticed, that the rest of the hockey world probably doesn’t pay much attention to, but he’s a big part of our team.”
The Capitals have now locked up the hard-hitting defenseman for the long haul.
Fehervary has recorded 75 points in 299 career games in Washington since the franchise selected him in the second round of the 2018 draft. Last month, he was named to the preliminary Slovakian roster for the 2026 Olympics.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.