The Washington Capitals honored John Carlson in a pregame ceremony before their matchup against the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday. The celebration honored Carlson for reaching the 700-point milestone on January 6 against the Buffalo Sabres, but it also seemed focused on casting a light on all his other accomplishments and raising his profile.
When Carlson hit the 700-point plateau, he became the 31st rearguard in NHL history to reach the mark. Twenty of 25 eligible defensemen who have reached the 700-point plateau have been named to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Carlson was joined on the ice by his family — his wife Gina and his four children Lucca, Rudy, Sawyer, and Bella — and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis. Monumental Sports Network play-by-play announcer Joe Beninati emceed the event.
The event began with a highlight video with many of Carlson’s past and present teammates offering their congratulations.
“He’s a horse, that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Johnny,” Tom Wilson said. “Just a Capital through and through. He’s given so much to this organization, and obviously, they gave him the opportunity day one, and he’s run with it. He’s been here with Ovi and Backy his whole career, and those guys get so many accolades and milestones, and Johnny’s been every step of the way. You gotta put his jersey in the rafters, right?”
“He’s just so calm with the puck and you never see him panic,” Connor McMichael said. “He looks like he’s not trying. That’s how you know you’re good.”
“He’s so consistent, I think, and has been for many years,” added Nicklas Backstrom.
“A phenomenal teammate,” TJ Oshie said. “Very selfless.”
“It’s been fun to see him evolve into the leader he is today,” Braden Holtby said.
“He’s a tremendous man,” Alex Ovechkin concluded. “He has a great sense of humor. He played 1,000 games for one organization, nominated for Norris Trophy, he won a Cup. When his career is over, he’s gonna be in the Hall of Fame.”
Once the video finished, Carlson received several gifts including a personalized bottle of wine from the players and a custom oil painting by Tony Harris from Ted Leonsis. Alex Ovechkin also gave flowers to the Carlson family.
The Utah Hockey Club watched the nearly 10-minute ceremony from their bench.
Congratulations, John Carlson for recording 700 career points with the @Capitals! pic.twitter.com/IQS2vQAXdP
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) February 9, 2025
On social media, the Capitals shared additional congratulations from across the league, including the five other active defensemen who have reached 700 points, Victor Hedman, Roman Josi, Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, and Brent Burns.
After the game, Carlson was asked what it meant to share the ceremony with his family front and center with him.
“Yeah, and my teammates,” he said. “A lot of guys I’ve played a lot of games with along the way, and certainly my family. Certainly my family on the ice, and obviously my parents, and brother, and all that stuff, too. It’s been a great journey. I don’t take for granted how lucky I am, and certainly it was a nice ceremony.”
