The Washington Capitals are at the center of trade rumors, and it's not just about who they might acquire. In a surprising twist, it seems teams are inquiring about the availability of their star defenseman, John Carlson, ahead of the trade deadline.
But here's the catch: Carlson, a 36-year-old alternate captain, is a Capitals veteran with an impressive resume. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in July, but a lower-body injury currently has him on the sidelines. Despite this, some teams are still eager to explore the possibility of acquiring him.
According to Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic, the Capitals have been fielding calls from interested parties. LeBrun suggests that while a trade is unlikely, it's not out of the realm of possibility. He believes it would take a truly impressive offer to convince the Capitals to part ways with Carlson, who has been a cornerstone of their defense for years.
Carlson's current contract, an eight-year deal worth $64 million signed in 2018, is in its final season. The Capitals, aware of his value, have already initiated extension talks. With 46 points in 55 games this season, he's on pace to reach the 50-point mark for the third consecutive year, solidifying his status as a highly productive defenseman.
When Carlson is on the ice, the Capitals dominate. They've recorded over 50% of shot attempts, expected goals, scoring chances, and high-danger chances when he's in the lineup. However, his role has slightly diminished with the emergence of Jakob Chychrun, who now leads the first power-play unit.
The Capitals' position in the Eastern Conference playoff race will also influence their decision. They'll have a clearer picture after their game against the Utah Mammoth. With a potential trade being a long shot, one can't help but wonder: Is Carlson's value being fully appreciated, or could a blockbuster deal be on the horizon?
If a trade were to happen, it might mirror or even surpass the deal between the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights for Rasmus Andersson. The Flames received a solid return, including a top-pairing defenseman and high draft picks.
As the Capitals' all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points among defensemen, Carlson's impact is undeniable. With his 600th assist milestone achieved this year, he's etched his name in NHL history. Would trading such a legend be a wise move, or is it a risk worth taking for the right price?
