The biggest storyline heading into the Washington Capitals offseason is whether or not the team will re-sign pending unrestricted free agent John Carlson. Carlson had his best season with the Capitals, leading all NHL defensemen with 15 goals and 68 points. His amazing play carried over in the playoffs as he led defensemen with five goals and 15 assists for 20 points.
With the way Carlson tore it up this past season, his asking price will likely be very steep. When he met with the media Wednesday Carlson said, “We’ll see what happens. We’ll talk and go from there. I don’t know what else to say other than that. I love it here. I want to stay here but there’s more to it than that.”
“I love it here. I want to stay here. But there’s more to it than that.” — John Carlson on his approaching free agency. Washington, btw, is home for Carlson. #ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com/ytUhigqQmB
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) June 13, 2018
Carlson’s deal will likely land in the range of $7-8 million in average annual value. Per Cap Friendly, the Capitals current projected cap space is just $11,215,705 but that number could increase if the NHL raises their salary cap.
It will be interesting to see what happens when Brian MacLellan and Carlson meet face-to-face. If a deal doesn’t get reached by July 1, Carlson will likely test the open market where a ton of teams will want to add him to their blueline.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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