Capitals Bring On Another Blueliner, Ink Gabriel Carlsson

The Washington Capitals have brought another defenseman on board, this time signing Gabriel Carlsson to a one-year, two-way contract.

Carlsson’s deal pays $750,000 at the NHL level and $400,000 at the AHL level.

The 6-5, 195-pound defender is still rising to his full potential. He dished two goals and seven assists in 38 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets this season, and led all CBJ blueliners in +/- (plus-6). Carlson also played in two games with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, picking up two assists.

Carlsson has 75 career NHL games under his belt. He went in the first round (29th overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft.

The 25-year-old is a left-hand shot and adds even more depth to the Washington d-corps. He uses his size to his advantage and has the ability to win puck battles and play a shutdown game. Carlsson also owns a heavy-point shot and has upside to be a solid puck-moving d-man. However, he needs to improve his skating and show consistency, while escaping his comfort zone to earn a full-time job at the NHL level.

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Carlsson is the second defenseman to join the Capitals roster this offseason, and there is sure to be a lot of competition for a regular spot in the lineup.

Erik Gustafsson signed a one-year deal on the opening day of 2022 NHL Free Agency, intending to take over for Justin Schultz on the third pairing following Schultz’s departure for the Seattle Kraken. Lucas Johansen is also looking to make the NHL jump following a breakout season in Hershey. And, all the while, Matt Irwin remains on board as a depth option who rose to the occasion when asked over the course of the 2021-22 campaign.