Longtime Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson found his new home late on the first day of free agency, signing a two-year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
While Carlson spent much of his first press conference with the media explaining why he chose the Lightning, he was also asked about his longtime teammate, Alex Ovechkin, signing a one-year contract extension to return for a 22nd NHL season.
Ovechkin had been noncommittal about his future throughout the 2025-26 campaign, but Carlson never thought Ovechkin would choose to retire.
“Zero percent,” Carlson replied when asked if he was surprised by Ovechkin’s decision. “I knew that he was coming back for a long time. I just felt it. I mean, he didn’t explicitly say it to me, but I just, you can just tell, ‘Oh, I’m making a decision,’ whatever. And I’m sure that there were conversations to be had and decisions to be made on his end, too. It just was always my gut feeling that he wasn’t ready to give it up. And good for him. He’s been an amazing player for far too long in this league. And it’s just incredible what he’s been able to accomplish. And, you know, I’m thrilled that he gets to keep living out that dream and to have his say and all that. It’s amazing.”
After the Capitals added four major players in free agency — Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Boone Jenner, and Vincent Desharnais, Ovechkin ultimately signed a one-year contract extension worth $4.25 million. He can also achieve a $4.75 million performance bonus if he plays in 10 or more games next season.
The Capitals’ offseason improvements, combined with Ovechkin’s health and his family’s blessings, made him comfortable putting pen to paper so he could chase the Stanley Cup for perhaps the final time.
While Carlson was excited about Ovechkin returning, he was not eager to play against him next season.
“I wouldn’t say looking forward, no,” Carlson said, leaving it at that.
Carlson’s career in Washington ended on March 6 as the the team looked unlikely to make the postseason. Capitals GM Chris Patrick dealt Carlson in the middle of the night to the Anaheim Ducks ahead of the NHL trade deadline for two high draft picks.
Carlson is the Capitals’ franchise leader for defenseman in career points (772), goals (166), game-winning goals (32), power-play points (273), and games played (1,143). He’s also assisted on 162 of Ovechkin’s goals, second-most to Nicklas Backstrom’s 279.
“I’m truly happy for him. I felt that he really wanted to come back. And I’m glad that he came to that decision. I think it’s great for everyone. I think it’s great for hockey, and certainly I think, obviously it was a family decision for him, which is the most meaningful, and they’ve arrived on the right choice in my mind.”
