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The Washington Capitals and John Carlson have agreed on a new $ 64 million contract over eight years, the team announced Sunday.
Carlson has set career highs with 15 goals and 53 assists in 2017-18 as part of the first-ever Capitals Stanley Cup final in 20 years. He added five goals and 15 assists in the playoff series at the first Washington championship. Carlson was the best defenseman in the NHL during the regular season and playoffs.
"John has been an outstanding and consistent player for our franchise and has developed to become one of the best defensemen in the NHL," commented general manager Brian MacLellan, a defender like John. of age, we think that he is just getting into his bounty. As a right-handed defender, John plays in all key situations and has greatly contributed to the success of our team on the special teams. We are pleased that both parties have reached an agreement. "
The 28-year-old American has spent his entire career in Washington since joining the franchise as a first draft pick in 2008. He has been part of the Capitals' lineup over the years. years, appearing in every game over six of his nine seasons in the NHL.
Carlson has 77 career goals and 256 assists in 608 games. He was an unrestricted free agent after completing a six-year, $ 23.8 million contract. Carlson's new contract will place him second in the AAV team behind the captain Alex Ovechkin.
"His value is huge," said goalkeeper Braden Holtby. "You can see, how much he wanted to tell our team in this race. As for growth, I think it's grown steadily, but I think it's been pretty good for a long time. He has been very good for a long time. I think this year it just showed a bit more because we just forced it to play more. "
The return of Carlson is the first great move the team has made to retain the core of its winning Cup team.
Coach Barry Trotz resigned after he and the organization did not accept the terms of a new contract. Trotz has since been named head coach of the New York Islanders.
Washington also traded goalkeeper Philipp Grubauer and defender Brooks Orpik to the Colorado Avalanche. Grubauer started the playoffs as the goalkeeper of the team before yielding to Holtby. Orpik, 37, has been the NHL's top playoff player this season.
The exchange between Grubauer and Orpik has allowed Carlson, who was considered the best defender available on the free agent market this summer, to free the space available for the Capitals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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