John Carlson

The highest-scoring defenseman of the Capitals' 2018 championship run.

John Carlson is an American professional ice hockey defenseman born on January 10, 1990, in Natick, Massachusetts. Drafted by the Washington Capitals 27th overall in the 2008 NHL entry draft, he played junior hockey for the London Knights and professionally with the Hershey Bears before his NHL debut. He made his first appearance on November 20, 2009, against the Montreal Canadiens at age 19. Carlson won the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018, serving as the highest-scoring defenseman during those playoffs.

Quick Facts

Born: 10 January 1990
Birthplace: Natick, Massachusetts, U.S.
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
League: NHL
Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Draft: 27th overall
Former teams: Washington Capitals; Anaheim Ducks

Lore & Background

Carlson's path to the NHL began in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, where he played for the New Jersey Rockets before transferring to Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. There, he recorded 43 points in 59 games with the Indiana Ice of the USHL, earning a spot on the Second All-Star Team and All-Rookie Team. Despite committing to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he chose the London Knights after being drafted by them in the OHL. Before the 2008 NHL draft, he was ranked 17th among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. After signing an entry-level contract with the Capitals on November 13, 2008, he returned to London, where he led all OHL defensemen in scoring through January and earned OHL Defenceman of the Month honors. He finished his rookie OHL season with 16 goals and 60 assists in 59 games.

Reader's Guide

Carlson's early professional years were defined by rapid development between the NHL and AHL levels. In the 2009–10 season, he split time between the Bears and Capitals, leading all Hershey defensemen in scoring before his call-up on November 18. He finished the AHL regular season with four goals and 35 assists in 48 games, earning a spot on the 2010 AHL All-Rookie team. By the 2010–11 season, he played entirely at the NHL level for the first time, finishing with seven goals and 30 assists to tie a franchise record for most points by a rookie defenseman. Head coach Bruce Boudreau described him as "easily" the most NHL-ready prospect during development camp. Carlson also represented the United States internationally in the 2010 World Juniors and the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Did You Know?

Carlson signed a six-year, $23.8 million contract extension with the Capitals the day before the start of the 2012–13 NHL lockout.
He was one of three rookie defensemen to score a goal in the same game on March 25, 2010, tying an NHL record against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Carlson was recruited by Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Bobby Orr to become his client during his junior career.
In the 2009–10 playoffs, Carlson's goal in Game 2 against Montreal forced overtime, leading to a win secured by Nicklas Bäckström.
He was not the youngest Capitals debutant since Alexander Semin; Nicklas Bäckström debuted at age 18 in 2007.