In a deal locking down defensive talent for the foreseeable future, the Washington Capitals have shelled out $23 million to keep Rasmus Sandin on their blue line for another five years. The team announced the move Wednesday, ensuring that the 23-year-old Swede, who's been solidifying his position since being traded from Toronto, will remain a key part of their defense through the 2028-29 season.
Trading away a first-round pick to get Sandin a year ago might've raised a few eyebrows, but the defenseman's performance has all but silenced the critics. Despite a rocky start, Washington seems confident in their investment; the Capitals sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division, looking poised to take advantage of Sandin's recent rebound. Just a day before the extension, the Caps traded Anthony Mantha to the Vegas Golden Knights, which landed them a couple of valuable draft picks, as reported by The Athletic.
Rasmus Sandin is sticking around with the Washington Capitals for a while after re-signing Wednesday on a five-year contract worth $23 million, WTOP confirmed. The defenseman, once set to be a restricted free agent this summer, will now see an annual cap hit of $4.6 million with the new contract, sidestepping the potential for arbitration.
Currently averaging over 21 minutes of ice time, Sandin's role with the Capitals has seen a significant uptick compared to his previous deal, a two-year stint worth $2.8 million. Having clocked in three goals, 20 points, 57 hits, and 85 blocks in 52 contests this season, he's got 'offensive upside' written all over him – that is, according to a season he finished between Toronto and Washington with seven goals and 35 points CBS Sports enlightened us, through 71 outings in 2022-23.
With the Capitals tightening their grip on a promising defenseman and shuffling the deck ahead of the next season, the organization's brass has sent a clear message: they're banking on Sandin to be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. The Capitals, with moves like these and the gloves off, are pushing not just for a playoff run but for a stable and robust defensive line that could contend with the league's powerhouses.
