Timothy Liljegren signs two-year contract extension with Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals re-signed defenseman Timothy Liljegren to a two-year contract extension worth $6.5 million total. The deal carries an average annual value of $3.25 million and a $3.25 million cap hit per season. The re-signing became important after Rasmus Sandin suffered an ACL tear in his right knee late in the season, with surgery followed by a six-to-nine-month recovery timeline. Sandin is expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign and could return between late October and late January. Liljegren was acquired from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline in March for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. He played four games for Washington after the trade and recorded 11 points in 47 games split between San Jose and Washington. With Liljegren under contract, Washington has three right-handed defenders from last season’s roster, including Matt Roy and Dylan McIlrath. The $3.25 million cap hit reduces available offseason cap space from $36.5 million to $33.35 million.

"The Washington Capitals have re-signed trade-deadline acquisition Timothy Liljegren to a two-year contract extension. The right-handed shooting defenseman will make $6.5 million over the lifespan of the deal and have a cap hit of $3.25 million per season. The news was first reported by The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta. The Capitals officially announced the signing at 4:27 pm."

"Liljegren's re-signing became paramount after Rasmus Sandin suffered an ACL tear in his right knee toward the end of the season. After undergoing surgery and receiving a six-to-nine-month recovery timeline, Sandin will miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign and could return anywhere between late October and late January."

"The Capitals originally acquired Liljegren from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline in March for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. Liljegren played in just four games for the Capitals down the stretch after arriving from San Jose, averaging 16:54 of ice time per game. In 47 total games split between the Caps and Sharks, Liljegren recorded 11 points (1g, 10a)."

"With Liljegren's return, the Capitals have three right-handed defenders from last year's roster under contract for this season, as he would join Matt Roy and Dylan McIlrath. A $3.25 million cap hit would reduce Washington's available cap space this offseason from $36.5 million to $33.35 million, per PuckPedia."

Read at RMNB