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.
