May 19, 2025 | 3:07pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

CAPITALS, CARLSON TABLING CONTRACT TALKS THIS SUMMER

John Carlson, defenceman

The Washington Capitals are planning to monitor the trade and free agent markets this off-season as they look to compete again in the 2025-26 campaign. As they begin an organizational transition, one item they will be patient with is the future of star defenceman John Carlson.

Carlson, 35, is going to be entering the final year of an eight-year, $64 million contract and will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2026.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Capitals GM Chris Patrick indicated the team is not expected to engaged in contract negotiations with Carlson on an extension this summer, as per design.

“He’s obviously a huge part of our team and had a great season,” Patrick said. “All expectations are he’s going to have another great season next year, but I think it probably makes sense to see how things play out a little bit.

“We’re a mature team, 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. Nothing imminent this summer.”

In 79 games with the Capitals this season, Carlson registered five goals and 46 assists for 51 points.

While he has not shown any signs of slowing down, production wise, the Capitals do not want to rush into a new deal with Carlson until they see how their roster performs next season.