John Carlson enters the 2025-26 NHL season in the final year of an eight-year contract that he signed with the Washington Capitals in 2018. Despite the potential uncertainty, Carlson isn’t worried yet about what his future with the club may hold. The Capitals scored 65 goals with Carlson over the boards, the most of any defender on the team. Heading into his 17th career NHL season, Carlson is the Capitals’ all-time leader in games played (1,088), goals (156), assists (569), and points (725) among defensemen. According to @AFPAnalytics, a Carlson extension is expected to cost approximately $6.9 million for three years.