Photo credit: Patrick McDermott

Washington Capitals forward Jason Chimera has signed a two-year extension, keeping him in D.C. through 2015-16. Chimera will make $2 million per season beginning next year– a $275k raise over his current contract.

The Ice Cheetah has had a strong start to the season, scoring 11 points in 16 games after managing just 14 points in 47 games in 2013. Chimera had a four-game goal streak last week while playing with Joel Ward and Mikhail Grabovski on the third line.

This is a classic George McPhee move: a two-year deal for a guy he likes and a term he likes. But Chimera will turn 35 in May, so will this deal be worth it in the end? Let us know in the comments below.

From the Capitals:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 8, 2013

Capitals Re-sign Jason Chimera

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have re-signed left wing Jason Chimera to a two-year contract extension, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. Chimera will earn $2.0 million per year from 2014-15 through the 2015-16 season.

Chimera, 34, has recorded 11 points (five goals, six assists) and 10 penalty minutes in 16 games this season. The Edmonton, Alberta, native was named the NHL’s “Third Star” for the week ending Nov. 3 after posting a career-high four points (one goal, three assists) on Nov. 1 against Philadelphia and recording a career-long four game goal streak (10/24-11/1: four goals, five assists). Chimera has registered 107 points (45 goals, 62 assists) and 251 penalty minutes in 265 career games with Washington.

The 6’3”, 216-pound forward has played in 726 career regular-season games with Edmonton, Columbus and Washington, recording 279 points (126 goals, 153 assists) and 716 penalty minutes. In 43 career playoff games, Chimera has tallied 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists), four game-winning goals and 16 penalty minutes.

Chimera was a fifth-round draft pick (121st overall) by Edmonton in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired from Columbus in exchange for Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina on Dec. 28, 2009.

Chimera will be available to the media following Washington’s morning skate tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. MST at Jobing.com Arena.