Breaking: Caps sign newly acquired Jensen to lucrative contract!

The Washington Capitals did not waste any time. 

Earlier today, the Caps acquired veteran defenseman Nick Jensen and a fifth round selection from the Detroit Red Wings in return for Madison Bowey and a second round pick in 2020.

Jensen could have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1 as he’s in the final year of a two-year-contract worth $1.625 million. However, the Capitals had other plans. Just a couple of hours after the trade, the Capitals re-signed Jensen to a four-year, $10 million contract extension.

The blue liner has yet to play a single minute on the ice for Washington. 

The 28-year-old was hoping to remain with the Wings as the trade deadline drew closer. His wish did not come true. 

“This is the organization that drafted me, the team’s amazing, the staff is amazing, the fans are amazing," Jensen said after Thursday's practice to the Detroit News. "So, obviously, I love it here.”

Jensen was a healthy scratch in the season opener, following a disappointing training camp, but has taken part in all 60 games since. He is averaging 20:48 in ice time, a significant bump from last season (16:15). He has tallied two goals and 15 points this season. 

He was one of the rare coveted rental blue liner at this year's deadline. The Capitals had pulled a similar move for depth on the back end at the deadline last year, acquiring Michal Kempny from the Chicago Blackhawks, who ended up being a key player for Washington in the Stanley Cup quest.