Photo: NHL via Getty Images
Former Washington Capitals defenseman and Stanley Cup champion Christian Djoos signed a new one-year contract for $1.25 million with the Anaheim Ducks this week. Djoos spoke with Expressen.se about his new deal from his home in Gavle, Sweden over the weekend.
Djoos had a feeling he might be dealt at this year’s trade deadline, but he seems to be enjoying his new life in sunny Southern California. “I had a good feeling that I could be traded, so this was the best for both parties. It was time for something new. But of course it was a big deal to win the Stanley Cup, it was a good time for me in Washington.”
Djoos had one goal and two assists in nine games with the Ducks after they acquired him from the Washington Capitals on Feb. 24 in a trade for forward Daniel Sprong.
“It has been good from the first day since I arrived in Anaheim and it went very fast now that we were negotiating the new contract. I wanted to stay there,” says Christian on the phone from Gävle where he went when the coronavirus hit the NHL in mid-March.
Djoos was with the Ducks for all of two weeks before play was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he seems to have already acclimated to his new team.
“There were a handful of new players, who came to the club on the trading deadline so that made it easier. And with some Swedes in the team it always makes it easier. It’s a good bunch.”
The Swedes Djoos refers to are, apart from Hampus Lindholm, of course Jakob Silfverberg, Rickard Rakell and Jacob Larsson.
Djoos was a seventh-round draft pick for the Capitals in 2012. He played a steady role during the Capitals’ run to the Stanley Cup title as a rookie in the 2017-18 season. He scored 14 points in 63 games as a rookie before appearing in 22 playoff games on the way to the Stanley Cup.
By Jon Sorensen
Maybe better headline would’ve been “Would’ve had better time,If not stuck dealing with Moron GM & Clueless Coach!”. Quite honestly it shows he has more class & dignity than what he was treated with post cup win. The fact that the Duck immediately put him on power play & consistent regular shifts they clearly saw ability where Caps never bothered! But good luck dealing with Jensen & other band of boat anchors! Other than Carlson you don’t have one that had consistent effort for last 2 seasons.
The biggest issue with the capitals going forward is at their head coaching position! He needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Time will bear this out! The Caps defense has gotten worse under his tutor ledge.
Well to me funniest thing with Caps coaching,who ran defense when they won Cup….thier currant head Coach!!