We’re now in the homestretch of our Washington Capitals player report cards. Up next is defenseman John Carlson who had the best offensive season of his career.
In 78 games Carlson scored a career high 17 goals and 54 assists for 71 points. In the playoffs he had one goal and four assists and one costly turnover that ended Washington’s season.
In the regular season Carlson had decent advanced stats. He had a Corsi For percentage of 50.73 percent, a 49.52 percent Expected Goals For percentage, and a 49.90 High Danger Chances For percentage, per Natural Stat Trick.
His advanced stats dipped in the playoffs. Carlson’s Corsi For percentage was just 44.20 percent, his Expected Goals For percentage at 50.63 percent and his High Danger Chances For percentage at 60.42 percent.
Carlson had his third 70 point season in the last four years. Over that stretch, eight different defenseman posted 70 point seasons but Carlson is the only one that has done it multiple times. He’s also the only defenseman to have recorded 70 points and 15 goals at least twice in that stretch.
Carlson was one of only four defenseman in the league to record at least 15 goals and 70 points in 2021-22. Carlson was the only one among the four to record at least one shorthanded point, recording a total of three shorthanded assists. Carlson finished with 0.91 points per game, the second highest of his career.
While Carlson did have strengths he did have weaknesses. In 17 regular season games where he clocked in at least 25:30 minutes of ice time, the Caps went 8-4-5. Carlson recorded three goals and 13 assists for 16 points in that span and had a plus minus of plus eight.
The question facing Carlson is what pair next to him would work. Would a young buck next to him help minimize some mistakes while giving Carlson a leadership role or would he be better off being paired next to a veteran?
Grade B: Carlson had his best offensive season and that in itself deserves an above average grade. He could get an A next season if he fixes those defensive miscues.