(WUSA 9) - John Carlson isn't going anywhere.
On the first day that teams besides the Capitals could start having conversations with the defenseman, the team announced that Carlson signed an 8-year deal with an average annual value of $8 million to remain in DC.
The Capitals defenseman is coming off a season where he posted career highs in goals, assists, and points. His 68 points, led all defensemen in the NHL.
During the Caps postseason run, which ended with the franchise winning it's first Stanley Cup, Carlson set a Capitals postseason record for the most points by a defenseman.
For Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan, re-signing Carlson was a no-brainer.
“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 MacLellan in a statement released by the team. “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.”
Todd Reirden, who is expected to meet with the team this week about the vacant head coaching job according to reports, focused on the defensemen and the power play as an assistant with the Capitals. John Carlson is a key piece of both those units.
Carlson's re-signing could be another strong indication that the Capitals will make Reirden their next head coach.