For Matt Roy, his decision to sign with the Washington Capitals wasn't difficult.
The 29-year-old blueliner inked a six-year, $34.5 million contract to join D.C. after spending the entirety of his career with the Los Angeles Kings. But why did he choose Washington?
It was simple: the Capitals want to win, and they made that clear with their aggressive approach and roster overhaul over the last two weeks.
"That's huge. I mean, every player wants to win, and you want to go to a winning team," Roy said. "So that was part of my mindset coming into it. I thought Washington was checking all the boxes and making some good moves towards that."
Roy joins a solid defensive corps that now includes the likes of Jakob Chychrun and John Carlson, and he also reunites with former Kings teammate Pierre-Luc Dubois.
“I thought all the guys they brought in were great moves, I think they’re going to be great additions to the team and I’m really excited for our team next year," Roy said.
Beyond that, he also believes that his game can fit in well with Washington's systems.
"I’d say confidence and comfortability in my role and my game (are two big parts of my development)," Roy said. "I think when I came in early on as a young guy, I just wanted to be a steady defenseman and try not to make too many mistakes and just play my position. And I think as my confidence grew in myself and my teammates, I think I was able to just kind of step up a little bit."
In 82 games last season, Roy had 25 points, but he's more known for the defensive side of his game. He takes good care of the puck, makes smart decisions and worries about his own zone first. All the while, he's trying to grow his offensive game as well, and believes that he can do that in the District.
"It’s great to have some offensive success, but I’ve always had that defensive mindset first," he noted.
With his versatility, winning mentality and defensive mindset, Roy figures to be a strong addition to the mix, and he's looking forward to showing what else he can do on the blue line.
“I think it’s great. I think we have a really solid D-corps," Roy said. "I think everyone can make plays, I think everyone can defend and I think we have a little bit of everything. I’m excited to play with these guys.”
