The contract
The Washington Capitals sign defenseman Matt Roy to a six-year deal with a $5.75 million AAV.
Matt Roy can play. In top-four minutes over the last two seasons, the Los Angeles Kings’ expected and actual goal difference has been significantly better with him on the ice. He’s a real play-driver who does an excellent job suppressing goals and chances, a truly underrated shutdown type who plays on the right side. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he’s also got the size that front offices covet come playoff time.
This is a big-time get for the Capitals who — along with acquiring Jakob Chychrun — have seriously beefed up their top four. There may be some sticker shock with the price tag ($5.75 million) and term (six years), but Roy looks to be worth it.
That being said, there is some risk with the ol’ “contract year bump.” Roy’s previous projected value came in between $5 and $5.5 million and though he was excellent last season, there’s reason to be wary of any player taking a substantial jump at age 28. Especially in a year where he’s trying to prove his worth.
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There’s also the matter of whether he’s ready for really heavy minutes. Those were primarily taken by Drew Doughty’s pair in Los Angeles and while Roy’s numbers suggest he can handle the load, it’s not always a seamless transition. He seems like a natural fit given what he’s shown to date, but whether he can actually do it will dictate whether Roy can live up to this deal. He wasn’t particularly adept at moving the puck with control last season so pairing him with someone who can is vital.
I’m a Roy believer and he’s clearly an analytics darling, one who plays the game in a way traditionalists also love. This feels like a great deal and fit for the Capitals in that regard, but nothing is ever a guarantee for a player coming to a new team and likely playing a tougher role.
Contract grade: A-
Fit grade: A-
(Photo: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)
