It’s time for some more NHL rumours. Training camps are starting to fill up, but that doesn’t mean that the hot stove talk has ceased. We’ve seen plenty of talk about contract talks with some big-name players gaining the focus. However, plenty of other deals need to be sorted out before players hit the open market on July 1. Many of these players are important cogs on their rosters. However, general managers must deal with rising salary demands that coincide with the increasing salary cap.
The Washington Capitals have some key deals coming up soon. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a veteran defenceman who is in search of a new contract.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
An Update on Contract Talks with Washington Capitals Defenceman
Rumour: Tom Gulitti gave an update on contract talks with the Capitals and veteran blueliner John Carlson. The veteran defender is in the final season of his current deal.
John Carlson said there was no discussion of a contract extension with Caps this offseason, which was expected. GM Chris Patrick said they’d wait and see what happened this season before any discussions. Carlson said it’d be nice to have security, but won’t change his approach.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 18, 2025
Analysis: This will be an important off-season for Capitals General Manager Chris Patrick. Carlson is just one of several key players entering the final season of their respective contracts. Alex Ovechkin‘s future will likely be the focal point of Washington’s off-season.
The “Great 8” and his future is a bit murky. However, Carlson’s next deal will also draw plenty of chatter in what could be a pivotal season in his career.
The 35-year-old defender’s contract has an $8 million cap hit, and one wonders what direction talks will go. Carlson is coming off another 50-point season, and that’s despite being in the latter stages of his career. The Natick, Mass. native has hit 70 points many times in his lengthy tenure. His numbers aren’t as lofty as they used to be, but Carlson is still a vital part of the Capitals.
A number of teams have already started contract talks with veteran players. However, that’s not the case with Washington and Carlson. Despite this, the veteran defenceman doesn’t seem phased by the lack of talks, according to Gulitti.
What It Means
Carlson said that he expected extension talks to not happen over the summer. The veteran defender added that he would like to have the added security of deal being in place. However, he added that he’s not going to change his approach.
Gulitti also talked to Patrick about the state of contract talks between the two sides. Washington’s general manager added that he’s taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to getting a deal done for Carlson.
It’s very likely that Carlson won’t have that deal in place. However, that seems to be something both sides prepared for. Patrick probably wants to see how Carlson starts the season before negotiations start.
Getting off the blocks quickly could be beneficial to Carlson and might get him better terms. We’ve mentioned Carlson’s age, but quality defecncemen have been getting good market value in recent seasons. Teams want defenders that can contribute and a fast opening to the season will give him the upper-hand when the two sides sit down.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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