John Carlson now has the most assists by a defenseman in Capitals’ history

February 1, 2020 5:11 pm

Alex Ovechkin accomplished more history against the Ottawa Senators on Friday night. But so did John Carlson.

On Ovechkin’s empty-net goal, the 695th of his career, Carlson tallied the primary assist, giving him 362 in his career.

That leapfrogged Carlson over Calle Johansson for the most assists by a defenseman in franchise history.

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The Capitals posted a tribute video for Carlson on Saturday morning to celebrate his newest accomplishment.

There's a new defenseman who has the most assists in franchise history.

Congrats, @JohnCarlson74! #ALLCAPS #Johnny4Norris pic.twitter.com/lut9ecsbY7

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 1, 2020

Carlson is now only 10 points behind Johansson for the most points by a defenseman in Capitals history (475).

John Carlson has set the franchise record for the most assists in franchise history by a defenseman. pic.twitter.com/PMpG7uOZ4s

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) February 1, 2020

After the game, Nicklas Backstrom gave Carlson the Capitals’ hard hat as the player of the game. He got a sweaty, standing ovation from his mostly shirtless comrades inside the locker room.

Be in the room as Backy gives Carly the @Nationals helmet for passing Calle Johansson as the franchise leader for assists by a defenseman. #Johnny4Norris pic.twitter.com/eTSOAhDtlf

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 1, 2020

“I didn’t know until Nicky [Backstrom] told me, but it’s pretty cool, pretty special,” Carlson said after the game. “I’m good friends with Calle and know what he has meant to the organization and all that. So it’s an honor for sure, and I have a lot of guys to thank for that.”

Carlson posed with Ovechkin with the milestone puck inside the locker room.

A Milestone Night!

#8 All-Time in NHL Goals

#1 All-Time in Capitals Assists by a Defenseman #Gr8 #Johnny4Norris pic.twitter.com/nWxGc5tNfy

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 1, 2020

The American defenseman passed many great defensemen, including Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Stevens, to reach the assists record.