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It sure sounds like John Carlson wants to test NHL free agency

By Michelle Bruton

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 07: John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals lifts the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals won the series four games to one. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 07: John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals lifts the Stanley Cup after the Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game Five of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Capitals won the series four games to one. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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John Carlson is expected to be one of the most desirable free agents this NHL offseason — if the Washington Capitals let him hit the open market.

The Washington Capitals are fresh off their first-ever Stanley Cup win, and John Carlson is a huge reason they were able to pull it off.

The 28-year-old defenseman is about to enter his ninth season in the league, and he’s looking for a huge contract. But he might not get it from the Capitals, unless they are able to offer him the terms he’s looking for before July 1.

Who could blame Carlson for wanting to get paid? First, there is his ability — he’s a right-shot blueliner who can run the power play.

Then there’s his production. Carlson he led all NHL defensemen this season with 68 points (15 goals, 53 assists), a career high. He also did his part in the postseason run to the Cup, leading all defensemen during the playoffs with 20 points (five goals, 15 assists).

That was good for a new franchise record by a defenseman.

Carlson has never played for another team. He was drafted by the Capitals in the first round, No. 27 overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He grew up in New Jersey, so Devils fans will certainly have their antennae up in the coming weeks before we officially hit free agency.

For his part, Carlson has — understandably — been vague when asked about the status of his upcoming contract negotiations — which appear to have stalled since the last time general manager Brian MacLellan spoke with Carlson’s agent, Rick Curran, in the middle of the season.

“We’ll see what happens,” Carlson said, via NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti. “We’ll talk and go from there. I don’t really know what else to say other than that. I love it here and all that. I want to stay here, but there’s more to it than that.”

More to it, indeed — likely more than the Capitals can offer. Washington is estimated to have $11 million available, via CapFriendly.com, based on the current salary cap of $75 million, though that could rise by $10 million or more this offseason.

Next: 25 most insane things people have ever done with the Stanley Cup

Winning a Stanley Cup is a 99.9 percent positive event for a franchise, especially one as long-suffering as the Capitals. But there’s also the sting of players who helped you get there who you won’t be able to bring back — and it’s sounding more and more like that could be the case with Carlson.

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