It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’re nearing the NHL trade deadline on March 6 and that means plenty of hot stove chatter. General managers will be making plenty of moves before Friday. However, not all of those moves may be trades. We could see plenty of contracts signed in order to shore up lineups for the future.
One team that may re-sign one of their veteran players is the Washington Capitals. This edition of NHL rumours talks about a veteran blueliner that needs a new deal at the end of the season.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Washington Capitals Defenceman Wants to Stay Put
Rumour: We talk about the latest surrounding veteran defenceman John Carlson. The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reports that the Capitals and the Stanley Cup winner will continue to have contract discussions. Carlson has expressed interest in wanting to stay in the American capital.
Analysis: Carlson has been a stalwart of the Washington blueline for nearly two decades. He’s been out of the lineup for the games against the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens. The veteran blueliner has been out after he suffered a lower-body injury in the last game before the Olympic break against the Nashville Predators.
However, the 36-year-old has still be an important piece of a Washington team looking to get back to the final for the first time since 2018. Carlson has 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points in 55 games. This is despite missing time with an unrelated upper-body ailment.
We’re seeing Carlson continue to put up respectable numbers despite his advancing age. His contract comes up at the end of the season, and he has a current salary cap hit of $8 million. One wonders what direction will take.
What It Means
Washington’s offseason could be shrouded in mystery. General manager Chris Patrick has some major decisions to make, including what superstar Alex Ovechkin will do. The NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer is still a valuable contributor to the team. However, Ovechkin’s name has been tossed around when it comes to a return to Russia to finish his playing career.
One wonders if Patrick will attempt to keep the band together for one final push or two at the Stanley Cup. The Capitals are a pretty solid lock to make the tournament. The main thing is how long does Ovechkin want to stay in North America.
This could have a knock-on effect on to what Carlson may get offered. However, Pagnotta notes that Carlson wants to stay with the club. Many players don’t get the opportunity to play for just one team, but Carlson has that chance.
We’ve seen players like John Tavares take a hometown discount for like he did for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Patrice Bergeron did the same thing for the Boston Bruins. It’s not unheard of for a player to do this, and Carlson fits the other players that have done similar.
There are plenty of unknowns for the Capitals this coming offseason. However, Carlson seems to want to stick around.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images