The Washington Capitals will enter the 2025-26 NHL season with all of last season’s defensemen under contract. That includes veteran blueliner John Carlson, who is heading into the final year of the eight-year deal he signed in 2018.
Carlson becomes eligible for a contract extension on July 1. The 35-year-old led all Capitals defensemen in scoring this past season, tallying 51 points (5 goals, 46 assists) over 79 games, and ranked 22nd in the league in average ice time (23:34 per game).
Despite his continued strong performance, General Manager Chris Patrick seemed hesitant to start talks on a new deal. During the team’s end-of-season media availability, both Patrick and President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan emphasized their commitment to moving the team in a younger direction.
“John’s an important part of our team and had a terrific season,” Patrick said. “We expect more of the same next year. But with where we are as a team—getting younger and making sure roles and expectations align—it makes sense to wait and see how things develop. So, no extension talks are imminent this summer.”
The Capitals also have a number of defensive prospects developing with their AHL affiliate in Hershey, including Leon Muggli, Ryan Chesley, David Gucciardi, and Vincent Iorio. Highly-regarded Cole Hutson is expected to be NHL-ready after next season, and Cam Allen continues to develop with the OHL champion London Knights.
MacLellan added that the team is hoping to give 2018 first-round pick Alexander Alexeyev more playing time next year after he appeared in just eight games this past season. “Ideally, we’d like to get Alexeyev more games and evaluate from there,” he said.
Carlson, who has served as an alternate captain for six seasons, downplayed any contract concerns. “I’ve got to drop the kids off at school Monday,” he said with a smile on Breakdown Day. “That’s my priority right now.”
While the organization is planning for the future, Carlson still delivered solid numbers at even strength this past season. With him on the ice, the Capitals controlled over 54 percent of shot attempts, expected goals, and scoring chances, and 53.3 percent of high-danger opportunities. The team scored 65 goals during his shifts—more than any other Caps defender.
However, like much of the roster, Carlson struggled in the postseason against the aggressive Carolina Hurricanes. His effectiveness was further hampered by the injury to Martin Fehervary, which forced changes to his usual pairing with Rasmus Sandin and elevated Jakob Chychrun’s role.
Carlson remains the Capitals’ all-time leader among defensemen in games played (1,088), goals (156), assists (569), and points (725). He enters 2025-26 needing just 19 more points to surpass Mathieu Schneider (743) and become the fifth-highest scoring American defenseman in NHL history.
