The Washington Capitals announced the signing of centre Lars Eller to a five-year contract extension worth $17.5million (an average annual value of $3.5 million). Initially, he was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. However, this contract carries him through until the 2022-23 season with the Capitals.

Lars Eller Signs Five Year Contract Extension

Over his nine-year NHL career, Eller has played for the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals. So far he’s put up 96 goals and 113 assists for 209 career points in 576 career games. He was drafted in the 1st round, 13th overall of the 2007 NHL draft by the Blues as an 18-year-old.

NEWS | The #Caps have re-signed @lellerofficial to a five-year, $17.5 million contract extension. #ALLCAPS

Read More: https://t.co/ao0zze5nYk pic.twitter.com/uzxbJJn5QK

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 10, 2018

This contract extension is likely a reward for the efforts this season with the Capitals. It has potential to be a great season for Eller. Currently, he has 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points.The third line centre also added 30 minutes in penalties. With possession numbers of 50 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of +2.7.

Eller spoke to AllCaps TV expressing his feelings on his contract extension.

“This club, this city has been a great fit for me, for my family. There have been so many things that have been good about it. Its been good for my career. I feel like I’ve found my game here, especially this year. So I couldn’t be happier.”

What This Means for the Future

He isn’t wrong. Eller has been a solid performer this season. Although not in the spotlight like superstars Alex Ovechkin or Evgeny Kuznetsov, he is impressive and under the radar. His chemistry and ability to play with any teammate regardless of position on the depth chart are vital. At this point, the Capitals are 32-17-5. They sit at the top of the Metropolitan division. The division is extremely competitive. Historically the Capitals tend to falter when the tempo is raised. In order to make it past the first round of the playoffs, they will need stable performers like Eller to succeed further.

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