The 2022-23 season was a rough one for Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary. The Capitals suffered a wide range of injuries and missed the playoffs and Fehervary himself was injured twice. Unfortunately for Fehervery, his contract was also expiring and he was in need of a new deal.
During the off-season, Fehervary and the Capitals agreed to a three-year contract for a total of $8 million. Fehervary admitted that he did not have an easy time dealing with the contract situation.
“I was under pressure. I tried not to think about it, but I still had it in my head. It’s great to have a contract and I’m delighted that we’ve reached an agreement. I love Washington, the whole club and I can’t wait to start the season,” Fehervary told NHL.com/Slovakia.
Fehervary’s injuries to his back, groin and elbow caused him to miss a total of 15 games last season, but he believes the coming season should be much healthier.
“I’m much better now and I believe it will stay that way for a while. It wasn’t serious injuries, but they limited me, and I couldn’t play the best I could. When I’m not feeling well, I’m not myself. I always want to play one hundred percent.”
Fehervary anticipates no problems in working with the Capitals’ new head coach, Spencer Carbery.
“He’s already coached me [on the Capitals farm team] in Hershey. We had a very nice conversation. He’s a great coach and I was delighted that he’s coming to Washington.”
In assessing the impact that Carbery should have on the team, Fehervary believes the change at head coach was needed.
“He’s younger and he’s tough on the players. He demands everyone to do their best on the ice. Lavy (Laviolette) was also a great coach, but sometimes change helps.”
One of the significant injuries on the Capitals was to Nicklas Backstrom who missed the first half of the season after hip resurfacing surgery.
“He’s a great player and a very nice person. Upon his return, it was immediately apparent that it had affected him. As in the case of [Tom] Wilson. Backy is a great player and playmaker, so he’s very important to us.”
By Diane Doyle
Marty F. rings his endorsement of Nick Backstrom, Tom Wilson and Spencer Carbery.
If the Caps finish Thanksgiving Day with a 12-5 record, then the whole offseason experiment is vindicated.
Extremely fickle the National Hockey League. Every season 10 of the 32 teams shock the industry by their performances — good and bad
Go get ‘em Martini!
‘22-‘23 season was full of injuries.
Wilson missed half the season.
Backy missed half the season.
Oshie missed half the season.
Carlson missed half the season.
Feherevy was playing with injuries.
Eller had injuries.
Dowd had injuries.
Kemps had injuries.
Ovi missed some time.
All of these had big effects on the team, some more than others. It takes chemistry, and routine to get a team going. This team was continually bombarded with disruptions all season.
A new year brings a new opportunity. All above are cleared and reset to full health, with McMichael replacing Eller. Add a motivated Kuzy, Pacioretti, and new coaching staff should also bring positives. I’m in full support of the direction this team is going, and am giving full support to possibly get Ovi another cup. No reason we can’t get back to the playoffs and make something happen. If things don’t quite work out, then we will have some nice trade pieces in Kuzy, Mantha, Pacioretti, Oshie, and more…The better any of these produce, the better rewards in the Caps favor. Hopefully, the rewards result in getting another cup, but getting improved draft picks will be the consolation prize.
Concur all