Washington Capitals: John Carlson 2020 Report Card

Grading John Carlson’s Norris worthy season with the Washington Capitals.

John Carlson had a solid 11th season with the Washington Capitals, one that should’ve resulted in a Norris Trophy. Instead the award went to Roman Jossi but Carlson does still have a chance to ace our report card series.

Through 69 games played, Carlson had 15 goals and 60 assists for 75 points. He also had a 51.4 percent shot attempt percentage, a 51 percent expected goal percentage and a 52 percent five on five goal percentage.

Despite playing in just 69 games due to the novel coronavirus shutting down the rest of the regular season, Carlson’s 75 points put him in top 10 company among defenseman in the last 15 seasons. That is quality and sadly wasn’t enough to get him the Norris.

More from Editorials

• Alex Ovechkin will score 50 goals in 2023-24
• It’s time for Capitals fans to chill out with the Anthony Mantha hate
• The Capitals Have Several Potentially Bad Contracts
• Nic Dowd looks to show reliability
• Dylan Strome’s Contract Could Be A Steal For The Capitals

Carlson also had 17 assists on the power play with some of them going to Alex Ovechkin in the Ovi office. It was only six times they connected in the Ovi office while it was double digits the last two years. Carlson though made a case to get to the Norris conversation with his offense.

Carlson’s defense however was what might’ve done him in as Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators went on to win the Norris Trophy. Though Carlson still makes the Caps blue line better and was one of the strengths of what was otherwise a weak link.

Carlson’s defense needs work but his offense made up for the defense. Evolving Hockey’s goals above replacement put Carlson at 4.3 on defense and up 10.9 on offense.

Carlson was an impact player when the Caps won the Stanley Cup and that summer he got a massive payday. He will make $8 million a year for the next seven years. Will his offense take a dip while his defensive game takes a rise? Only time will tell.

Grade A: Carlson gets an A for almost winning the Norris Trophy, though he honestly should’ve won it. In the bubble Carlson also was a bright spot on an otherwise bad Capitals team. He didn’t play in the round robin as he was recovering from injury but did play in all five games of the first round against the New York Islanders.

In those five games Carlson had six assists which is pretty good on thee surface for a defenseman. He would’ve gotten an A plus if he won the Norris and his defense was better but the fact he aced this report card series should make him feel like a winner.