Capitals lock up Jason Chimera until 2014
On September 29th, the Capitals helped to solidify their defense by giving 32 year old left wing Jason Chimera a two year extension worth $3.5 million. This will keep fan favorite
Fans will be happy to hear that Jason Chimera will be a Capital until the end of the 2013-2014 season
Chimera in a Capitals uniform until the end of the 2013-2014 season. While this extension might not be quite on par with those given to Alex Ovechkin or Nicklas Backstrom, this is still very good news for Caps fans. Chimera provides the team with his speed, his knack for making big plays, his versatility, and most importantly, his experience.
Chimera is the precise type of player the Capitals need with their new focus on defense and goal prevention. Chimera is one of the better wings in the league defensively. He might not have the physical presence of someone like Ovechkin, but he has very good instincts. He uses his high-energy style of play to force opponents into making bad decisions. With his speed, he is also a threat to go on a breakaway. He might have had only 10 goals in the regular season last year, but remember that he also had two game winning goals in the playoffs. When healthy, he can be relied on to give you about 20 goals a year.
One thing about Chimera that cannot be overlooked is what he brings to the locker room. Chimera keeps everyone loose, and loves to make people laugh. He has also been a mentor to the Capitals’ young players, most notably Marcus Johansson. Chimera’s extension is one that works out perfectly for both sides: Chimera loves the community and wanted to stay with the Capitals, and the Capitals wanted to keep Chimera around. Due to Chimera’s chemistry with Brooks Laich, Chimera will most likely join Laich on the third line, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he saw some time on the second line.
