September 18, 2025 | 2:18pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

CARLSON NOT THINKING ABOUT NEXT CONTRACT

John Carlson, defenceman

Veteran defenceman John Carlson is playing this season on an expiring contract and while that may concern others, he does not seem too concerned about his future.

Calson, 35, is in the final year of an eight-year, $64 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Speaking with the media on Thursday, Carlson told reporters he has not had any discussions with the Capitals about a contract extension but reiterated he isn’t worried about it.

“I think anybody would probably love security, I think that’s a normal thought to have,” he said. “But I’m not thinking about it.”

Capitals GM Chris Patrick told reporters in May that there was no rush on a new deal for Carlson.

“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,” Patrick said in May.

The Capitals have $67.5 million in contracts dedicated to the 2026-27 season’s salary cap, given them $36.5 million in cap space based on the projected cap being $104 million next season.

In addition to Carlson, superstar Alex Ovechkin is also in need of a new contract, as is young forward Connor McMichael, among others.

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