Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson isn't going anywhere.
Carlson agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $64 million to remain with the Capitals on Sunday. He tallied a career-high 68 points in his ninth season with Washington, and recorded 20 points en route to his first Stanley Cup — a franchise record.
"John has been an exceptional and consistent player for our franchise and has blossomed into being one of the top defensemen in the NHL," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in a release. "Defenseman like John are a rare commodity in our League and, at 28 years of age, we feel he is just entering his prime.
"As a right-handed defenseman, John plays in all key situations and has contributed greatly to our team's success on the special teams. We are pleased for both parties to have come to an agreement and for him to continue his great career as a Washington Capital."
JOHN CARLSON = AMERICAN HERO. #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/KV0i7jLOP0
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 29, 2018
MacLellan put Carlson atop of his list of offseason priorities. He was willing to offer anything necessary to persuade the 28-year-old to stay with the organization, just as long as the deal was reasonable within Washington's salary cap.
MacLellan, on the first day of the 2018 NHL Draft, traded goaltender Philipp Grubauer and defenseman Brooks Orpik to the Colorado Avalanche in order to have a chance at re-signing Carlson. Orpik was set to earn $5.5 million in the final year of his contract.
MORE: NHL Draft 2018: Capitals win again as trade of Grubauer, Orpik may keep Carlson in D.C.
Talks between the two sides rapidly progressed shortly after the trade became official. MacLellan felt that he was "really close" to striking a deal with Carlson by Friday night.
"We’re going to do our best to sign John,” MacLellan told reporters at the draft. “We’ve said it all along. We waited until the end of the year. We’ve had discussions. We’re close and hopefully we can close the deal here over the next 24 hours.”
The Capitals were forced to wait, while fans began to worry heading into Sunday, as potential free agents were able to speak with other teams. As of Sunday morning, Rick Curran, Carlson's agent, stated the defenseman had already received interest around the league, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.
The deal is the going rate for many defensemen on the market this offseason.
Coyotes' Oliver-Ekman Larsson reportedly agreed to an extension that will pay him $8.25 million annually. MacLellan was prepared for the hefty price tag as Washington views Carlson as the team's franchise defenseman.
The biggest obstacle has been overcome for MacLellan as he shifts his focus towards signing the remaining potential free agents as he prepares for another Stanley Cup run.