Per the team, the Caps have re-signed defenseman John Carlson to a six-year, $23.8 million contract extension. The new contract comes on the heels of what was a less-than-inspiring regular season but a spectacular postseason performance, as we noted in his 2011-12 Rink Wrap:
[Carlson] took the most shifts per game of any Caps player, and once again led the team in blocks, led the D corps in hits, shots (tied), and was the leading scorer from the blue line, despite getting significantly less power play time than Wideman or Mike Green. Carlson did all this while facing the toughest opposition on the Bruins and Rangers, and the lowest offensive zone start percentage (35.8%) of any D.
Team release:
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman John Carlson to a six-year, $23.8 million contract extension, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. Carlson will earn $3.8 million in 2012-13 and $4 million per year from the 2013-14 season through 2017-18.
“John is a talented young defenseman who has played very well for the Capitals and still has room to grow,” said McPhee. “He wanted to make a long term commitment to the team and we are delighted that this young man who is an important part of our future will be a member of the club for many years to come.”
Carlson, 22, recorded 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) and 22 penalty minutes in 82 games last season with Washington, setting a career high in goals scored. He finished the season ranked second among Capitals blueliners in goals, points and shots (152) and tied for the team lead among defensemen in power-play goals (4). He ranked second on the Capitals in ice time per game (21:51) and led the team in blocked shots (153). Carlson finished the postseason tied for fifth on Washington in points (two goals, three assists) and was tied for the lead among Capitals defensemen in goals, assists and shots (27). His 24:02 of ice time per game was second on the team and his 38 blocked shots led all Capitals players.
The Natick, Mass., native matched a Capitals single-season record for most points by a rookie defenseman (37) during the 2010-11 season and led all rookies in ice time per game (22:38), blocked shots (160) and ranked fourth among rookie blueliners in points. He was named to the 2010-11 NHL All-Rookie Team. In 186 career NHL games with Washington, Carlson has tallied 75 points (17 goals, 58 assists) and a plus-17 rating.