Capitals warned of John Carlson 'shocker' before NHL trade deadline

The Washington Capitals traded away Nic Dowd on Thursday, and that made it feel like they might just be looking toward the future.

One way to do that in extreme fashion: a trade of John Carlson.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun speculated on Thursday about the idea of a Carlson "shocker" before the deadline.

"I was asked on The Athletic Hockey Show on Monday about a name from left field — someone no one is talking about — to keep an eye on before the deadline," LeBrun writes. "I said John Carlson because that would be a surprising trade. I think it’s unlikely Carlson gets dealt because Washington wants to remain in the race and doesn’t want to take away from the team. But with Carlson a pending UFA, it won’t stop teams from calling on him, and I believe some have. I think it would have to be a really good offer to get Washington’s attention, though."

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Carlson is currently in the final year of an eight-year, $64 million contract that paid him $8 million exactly in each season.

Now 36 years old, Carlson is in his 17th season with the Capitals.

Carlson has played 1,143 NHL games for the Caps. He has 166 goals and 605 assists (771 points) to go with 2,179 blocked shots and 944 hits. 

This season, Carlson has 10 goals and 36 assists (46 points) in 55 games.

Carlson's tenure with Washington includes a Stanley Cup championship, too.

The Capitals took him way back in the 2008 NHL Draft with the 27th overall pick. That has certainly worked out nicely.

Would the Caps cut ties now? It would certainly be a big decision.

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