Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun has scored 15 goals in his first 38 games this season, leading all NHL defensemen and putting him on pace to break Kevin Hatcher\'s franchise record of 34 goals by a defenseman set in 1992-93, according to ESPN.
The 27-year-old\'s performance has reportedly caught the attention of Team Canada as they finalize their roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Chychrun signed an eight-year, $72 million extension with Washington in March and has responded with one of his best starts to a season.
\"This guy\'s ability to finish from the back end is incredibly unique, even at this level,\" Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. \"His ability to beat goalies clean with his snapshot or wrist shot is as elite as there is.\"
Chychrun has tallied 35 goals and 41 assists in his past 112 games while skating to a plus-39 rating. He averages upwards of 25 minutes per game and quarterbacks the power play while thriving against opponents\' top lines.
\"He scores big goals. He scores game-winning goals. He scores overtime goals,\" Capitals president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan said. \"He\'s just been a big player for us, a big presence.\"
MacLellan acknowledged lobbying Team Canada management about Chychrun\'s candidacy for the 2026 Games. The Capitals executive said he has emphasized how well Chychrun has played over the past two years since joining Washington.
\"He\'s got some philosophical things that are probably a little on the edge of most people,\" MacLellan said. \"He\'s a little quirky.\"
Chychrun holds dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship but grew up playing for Canadian junior teams. He wasn\'t invited to Olympic orientation camp this summer and said the selection process hasn\'t weighed on him.
\"I feel like nobody really expected me to make that team or anything,\" Chychrun said. \"It\'s not like I was putting pressure on myself to show that I deserve to be there.\"