Jason Chimera may be 37 years old, but he can still fly out there.
That’s why the Islanders felt comfortable signing the veteran winger to a two-year deal with a reported cap hit of $2.25 million.
Chimera had 20 goals last season for Washington. The Capitals want to give their young guys a chance to replace him, but they’ll miss him all the same.
“There aren’t that many 20-goal guys that can skate like Jason Chimera in the National Hockey League,” coach Barry Trotz said. “He’s a veteran guy who brings energy. I said to him, ‘If you keep taking care of yourself the way you are, (you) can play until (you’re) 45.’ I think he’s going to get a three-year deal somewhere in the National Hockey League. He’s got a 28-year-old body on him and I don’t think he’s going to get any slower in the next year or two.”
Chimera, along with Andrew Ladd, will help replace Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen next season in Brooklyn.