The Washington Capitals signed forward Jay Beagle to a three year contract on Monday, worth $5.75 million. A pending free agent, the 29 year old Beagle scored ten goals, ten assists – both career highs – while playing in 62 games.
Capitals Solidify Their Depth, Sign Versatile Jay Beagle
Beagle proved to be maybe the most versatile forward on the Capitals roster last season, spending time as a member of the top six, as well as a role player on the last two lines.
A natural center, Beagle saw time as a winger on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom as well as taking charge in the middle of the second line at times. But where Beagle proved to be more valuable, next to his versatility, was in a defensive role.
With Eric Fehr set to test the market, parting ways with the team that originally drafted him, Beagle is set to take the role as the team’s third line center – a role he thrived in the playoffs.
After winning 56% of his faceoffs during the season, Beagle won more than 63% of his draws (63.8%) during the postseason. Almost deployed exclusively in defensive situations, only 39.53% of his shifts started in the offensive zone. Despite such a high start time in the defensive zone, Beagle was on the ice for as many goals for (six) as he was on against him. During the regular season, despite being deployed mainly in the defensive zone, Beagle was on the ice for more goals scored by the Caps than he was scored against him (+3 at ES).
With Ovechkin, Backstrom and up-and-comer Evgeny Kuznetsov, the Capitals will continue to be known for their offensive talent. Having Beagle settling in as the third center – at a great value no less – will continue to a balanced lineup.
That’s not to say Beagle doesn’t have anything to give offensively. While last season’s mark of 20 points was a career high – more than doubling his previous high – Beagle showed some offensive prowess when given the opportunity.
Of the forwards who saw regular action during the season, only Ovechkin had an higher G/60 mark at even strength than Beagle, who scored nearly a goal per 60 minutes played (0.90).
With free agency so close, the Capitals look to be set up down the middle, with three of their four projected centers under contract now (Kutznetsov, the projected second line center, is a restricted free agent), and can now focus on adding help on the wing.
Then again, Beagle showed last season that in a pinch, he can be that guy if need be – a big reason why this could be one of the team’s biggest signings this offseason (outside what is given to that guy between the pipes).
