John Carlson is in the final season of an eight-year, $64 million contract he signed with the Washington Capitals in 2018. While reportedly there haven’t been any “real” extension talks between the two sides this season, one thing is now completely clear: the soon-to-be 36-year-old rearguard is not hanging up his skates at season’s end.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman revealed the news in his latest 32 Thoughts column:
18. John Carlson — without a second of pause — destroyed any rumours about retiring. “No chance.”
Carlson, who crossed the 1,100 games milestone earlier this season and recently passed Nicklas Backstrom for second on the Caps’ all-time games list, is having another productive campaign, posting 23 points (6g, 17a) in 26 games. When Carlson is on the ice at five-on-five, the Capitals are out-attempting (55.4%), out-chancing (54.4%), and out-scoring (26 to 19) their opponents by a wide margin.
Carlson, however, has seen that success with his role somewhat reduced by Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. Carlson was recently removed from the first power-play unit after struggles there and has seen his average ice time continue to drop from a career-high 25:54 in 2023-24 to 22:47 this season. Jakob Chychrun has seen the most ice time on the team, skating 23:26 per game.
When general manager Chris Patrick addressed Carlson’s contract status this past May, he was open that the Capitals were not going to rush into a new deal.
“[Carlson] is obviously a huge part of our team and had a great season, and all expectations are he’s going to have another great season next year,” Patrick said then. “It probably makes sense just to see how things play out a little bit. We’re a mature team and transitioning to a younger team, and we just want to make sure that we’re putting guys in the right position to have success and that expectations line up.”
Since then, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported that Carlson would like to sign an extension with the Capitals, but is also not willing to accept just any offer that the team presents him.
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta recently added that when extension talks begin between the two sides, a new deal should not be hard to strike.
I am led to believe the conversation between Patrick and Carlson’s camp, once it occurs, will be quick and contract negotiations should not be difficult.
…I don’t believe [Carlson] has any concerns over his future in D.C.
Though, as Carlson has continued to twist in the wind, the Capitals have reportedly looked into potentially trading for superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. The Capitals are also expected to sign prospect rearguard Cole Hutson after he completes his sophomore season at Boston University in the spring.