Martin Fehervary on signing a seven-year contract extension with the Capitals: ‘I would like to stay there to the end of my career, and maybe even for rest of my life’

If Martin Fehervary has his way, he’ll remain with the Washington Capitals and stay in DC for a long, long time.

While speaking to reporters at the Hockey Player of the Year 2025 gala, the Slovak defenseman reflected on the seven-year, $42 million contract extension he signed on July 1 — the first day he was eligible to ink a new deal with the team. Fehervary will earn an average annual salary of $6 million starting in 2026-27 and is signed with the Caps through his age-33 season.

Reporters at the event asked Fehervary if he was 100 percent sure he wanted to continue his career with the Capitals.

“Definitely, yes,” Fehervary said per Sportnet.sk and a translation by Katina K. “It’s like my second home. I can imagine staying there for life. I have many friends there, I know the city — I really love it. If I can, I would like to stay there to the end of my career, and maybe even for rest of my life.”

By inking the contract so early, Fehervary avoided the anxiety of restricted free agency next summer and also cashed in after a career year where he recorded 25 points (5g, 20a) in 81 games. The Capitals also took a chance themselves by signing Fehervary to a long-term deal despite the rearguard having knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus months earlier.

“Yes, it’s good — I have a clear head and I don’t have to stress about the issue,” Fehervary said. “But on the other side, it is a big thing for Washington to re-sign me, and I want to pay them back for their confidence in me even with the knee injury. But I will think positive and I’m very excited to begin the new season.”

Fehervary, who is planning to return to DC at the end of the month, revealed at the event that he’s behind schedule on his rehab due to minor inflammation and pain in his surgically repaired knee. He has not skated yet during the offseason — a recovery milestone he was hoping to have reached a month ago.

“I don’t want to rush anything,” Fehervary said Wednesday. “I want to be sensible and patient about the knee. When everything is then in good standing with the knee, I will start back on the ice.”

He added, “Right now I’m three, four months without hockey and sometimes I have dark thoughts about what I would do without hockey. I can’t imagine it.”