Capitals are about to sign John Carlson again

DALLAS – The Caps are "very close" to the long-term extension of star defenseman John Carlson, said general manager Brian MacLellan on Friday night.

"We're getting closer," said MacLellan after the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. "I hope we can do it here in the next few days, we are very close."

Earlier in the day, the Caps gained a significant spot under the salary cap by swapping Philipp Grubauer and Brooks Orpik in Colorado for a second round pick (47th overall).

This space will now be used to block Carlson, who could become the best defender in the open market if he was to reach it.

MacLellan met with Carlson's agent, Rick Curran, on Thursday night.

MacLellan has not disclosed any figures, but it is expected that Carlson's new contract will come to eight years and $ 8 million per-or maybe a little more.

He won $ 4 million last season.

Carlson had a career year in 2017-18 and was critical during the Caps race at the Stanley Cup. He dominated all defensemen in the regular season with 68 points (15 goals, 53 assists). The 28-year-old also scored a career high of 24:47 per game.

MacLellan has long said that re-signing Carlson was the first priority of the Caps this offseason. And now, it seems like it could happen in a few days, assuming the talks do not encounter any problems.

"We will do our best to sign with John," said MacLellan. "We have always said, we waited until the end of the year, we had discussions, we are close and hope to be able to close the deal in the next 24 hours".

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