Jason Chimera
Team: Washington Capitals Age: 37 Status: UFA
2015-16 Stats
GP: 82 G: 20 A: 20 P: 40 +/-: 0 PIM: 22
At 37, you would expect Chimera to be slowing down, but he still had plenty of gas in his tank for the Capitals last season. In fact, he posted his first 20-goal season in five years (and only second of his career) last season.
That being said, Chimera is much more known for his defensive acumen. He has been a staple on the Capitals’ penalty kill for seven years.
Chimera is still an above-average skater, with good size (6’3”, 216 pounds). He could be a really good fit for the Avalanche system-wise.
The problem would be getting him out of Washington, where he seems very comfortable. If he does leave, it will likely be because he no longer fits in their plans. For the Avalanche, general manager Joe Sakic has said that he’s not willing to add older players to long-term deals; so they would likely be unwilling to go over a single season.
Estimated cost: $2-3 million per season.
