The Washington Capitals announced on Tuesday that the team has signed defenseman Martin Fehervary to a three-year contract, which carries a $2.675 million cap hit. The 23-year-old became a restricted free agent on Saturday.
Fehervary posted six goals and 16 points in 67 games during his sophomore campaign but struggled defensively, earning a -11 rating, 46.66% Corsi-for percentage, 46.63% expected goals-for percentage, and 46.83% scoring chances-for percentage at five-on-five. Fehervary averaged 20 minutes per game (sixth among Washington defensemen), including 1:37 on the penalty-kill (fourth).
In 152 career NHL regular-season games, Fehervary, who can become a restricted free agent at the end of the contract, has earned 14 goals, 34 points, and a +2 rating.
Washington now has just $888,333 in NHL salary cap space with 11 forwards, seven defenseman, and two goaltenders under contract for the 2023-24 season. The team is actively trying to pursue an upgrade in their top-six forward group but would likely have to move a player off of the NHL roster out to do so.
Fehervary was picked 46th overall by Washington in the 2018 NHL Draft.
By Harrison Brown