Washington Capitals defensemen Martin Fehérváry and Alex Alexeyev were the Capitals’ only restricted free agents (RFA) on the roster for the 2022-23 season. The Capitals extended Alexeyev with a two-year deal back in early May, leaving Fehervary the only remaining unsigned RFA on the Capitals roster.
According to Fehervary, things have changed over the last week. Somewhat expected, he says he has just received a qualifying offer from the Capitals and the two sides are currently negotiating a new contract.
“I think I will stay in Washington. I have already received a qualifying offer and we have started talking about a new contract. We’ll see how it goes,” Fehérváry told Slovakian media outlet Nové Čas earlier this week.
Just last week Fehervary stated in an interview that he and his agent had yet to hear from the Capitals.
“So far, we have not communicated at all, with the club management, we have not heard from them yet. Last year something started, but then we didn’t get to it. It will probably be a shorter contract, but I have no idea how much and for what time,” said Fehervary. “I’m a restricted free agent and my rights are pretty low. I think I am doing a good job and they are very happy with me at the club. I believe that we will find a common path.”
Fehervary didn’t participate in this year’s World Championship in Riga, Latvia. He declined the national jersey for health reasons, specifically because of back problems. The 23-year-old missed 15 games due to injury last season, with a majority of the games coming in the month of December.
Fehervary has fully recovered from his injuries and has already returned to workouts and preparations for the 2023-24 season.
Vacation over for Martin Fehervary. #ALLCAPS [@coach_mato] pic.twitter.com/P4t3nGHE1O
— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) June 8, 2023
For now, it’s time for rest and workouts for the 23-year-old blueliner. “I play golf, fish and train in full swing. I have prescribed fitness and strength components and I am also on the ice,” said Fehervary.
Non-roster players Kody Clark, Henrik Borgstrom, Riley Sutter and Gabriel Carlsson are also RFA’s. The deadline for extending qualifying offers for current restricted free agents is June 30th at 5pm ET. (More on qualifying offers here.)
By Jon Sorensen