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Welcome Back, John Carlson!

The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman John Carlson to an eight year, $64 million contract. Carlson was set to be an unrestricted free agent come July 1.

“John has been an exceptional and consistent player for our franchise and has blossomed into being one of the top defensemen in the NHL,” said Caps GM Brian MacLellan. “Defenseman like John are a rare commodity in our League and, at 28 years of age, we feel he is just entering his prime. As a right-handed defenseman, John plays in all key situations and has contributed greatly to our team’s success on the special teams. We are pleased for both parties to have come to an agreement and for him to continue his great career as a Washington Capital.”

With the contract carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $8 million, Carlson will be tied for second as the highest paid defenseman with San Jose’s Brent Burns. Nashville’s P.K. Subban makes the most at $9 million per season.

Carlson finished fifth in Norris Trophy voting this season after having 68 points in 82 games, which led all NHL defenseman. He was ninth in goals, 15, fourth in assists, 53, and was second in power play points with 32, while having just four power play goals.

With this, and the likely re-signing of Michal Kempny, the Capitals are expected to return their top nine forwards and top four defenseman from last season. For a team that wants to go back-to-back, that seems like a good place to start.

You can order this, and many others, from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

Brandon Alter

Brandon Alter covers all three teams in the Washington Capitals Organization. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in May of 2021.

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