Capitals: Top 3 amazing milestones of 2020

#3 John Carlson’s record for most points by a defensemen

Recently John Carlson passed Calle Johansson for the most assists by a defensemen in Capitals franchise history. Like we mentioned in the previous slide, he’s a big time favorite for the Norris Trophy.

This season, Carlson’s 60 assists led all NHL defensemen and ranked fourth among all players in the NHL. He became one of five defensemen to reach the 70 point mark in 59 or fewer games in the last 30 years.

Carlson is the 10th defensemen since 1979-80 to record 60 assists within his first 67 games. Over the last 20 seasons, only three other defensemen have recorded at least 60 assist in a season. Carlson was on pace for 71 assists prior to the season getting suspended. That would’ve been the highest total by a defensemen since 1993-94.

Back on Feb. 23 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carlson recorded two points to become the team’s all-time point leader among defensemen, passing Calle Johansson with his 475th career point. His big one came in the third period on an assist on a goal from Carl Hagelin.

Per the Capitals, it took Carlson 233 fewer games than Johansson to reach that mark (983 games for Johansson and 750 for Carlson). Carlson has recorded 478 points (105 goals, 373 assists).