John Carlson (ice hockey)

John Carlson (born January 10, 1990) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman. He currently plays for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Carlson is a one-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Capitals in 2018. He is also a two-time All-Star, being named one in 2019 and 2020.

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Carlson played parts of two seasons with the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League (USHL) and one season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He had a successful time with the Ice. He was named to both the USHL Second All-Star team and All-Rookie team. He also had a successful time with the Knights, being named to the First All-Rookie team, Second All-Star team, and the CHL All-Rookie team.

He was drafted 27th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2008 NHL entry draft. On November 13, 2008, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract to join the Capitals. He was immediately sent down to play for their AHL-affiliate Hershey Bears. During his time with the Bears, Carlson helped them win back-to-back Calder Cups in 2009 and 2010. He was also named to both the AHL All-Star Game and All-Rookie team in 2010.

On November 18, 2009, the Capitals called him up and Carlson made his NHL debut two days later in a 3–2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. On January 21, 2010, he recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Tomáš Fleischmann goal in a 6–3 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. On March 25, Carlson scored his first NHL goal against Manny Legace in a 3–2 shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. On September 14, 2012, Carlson signed a six-year, $23.8 million contract to stay with the Capitals. On November 2, 2013, Carlson scored his 100th NHL point against Scott Clemmensen in a 3–2 shootout win against the Florida Panthers.

He helped the Capitals during the playoffs. They defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning. They eventually went on to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights four games to one in the Final to win the first Stanley Cup in Capitals franchise history. On June 24, 2018, Carlson signed a eight-year, $64 million contract to stay with the Capitals. On October 1, 2019, the Capitals named Carlson as one of their alternate captains. On March 30, 2024, Carlson played in his 1,000th career NHL game, setting a Capitals franchise record in the process.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1990 births
Category:Living people
Category:American ice hockey defensemen
Category:Hershey Bears players
Category:Sportspeople from New Jersey
Category:Sportspeople from Massachusetts
Category:Stanley Cup champions
Category:Washington Capitals players