(Caps Outsider)
Even though he’s injured right now, the Caps decided they’ve seen enough of 31-year-old Nic Dowd to reward him with a three-year contract worth an average of $1.3 million a year, most likely in the fourth-line center role. He previously made $750,000 a year.
Considering the Caps have a few other centers in the mix, including Aliaksei Protas, Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre (who will likely be playing regularly in the next few years), this is an interesting move. While both Lapierre and McMichael – likely future top two centers – aren’t the same type of player as Dowd, the team will still have more centers than spots in the coming seasons.
All this said, this isn’t a contract that other teams will be frightened of if a trade is in the works. Dowd is a great fourth line center and $1.3 million is a good price to pay for that.
Last season, Dowd set a career high with 11 goals, including three game-winning goals, and recorded 15 points (11g, 4a) in 56 games. The native of Huntsville, Alabama, also ranked first on the Capitals in face-off percentage at 56.3 percent. In 316 career NHL games, Dowd has recorded 79 points (36g, 43a).
Dowd was selected by Los Angeles in the seventh round, 198th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
THE VERDICT IS IN!
JUDGE JUDY RENEWED FOR THREE MORE SEASONS 👩⚖️#ALLCAPS
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 14, 2021
