John Carlson Linked To Capitals’ Rival In Metropolitan Division

John Carlson spent his entire 17-year career with the Washington Capitals. Until he didn't. The iconic Caps defenseman was traded in a shocking move at this year's trade deadline in March to the Anaheim Ducks. Could he potentially join a Washington division rival as an unrestricted free agent this summer?

We do know that the veteran blueliner might like a return to the East Coast, and according to insider Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, the Philadelphia Flyers just might be the right match for Carlson.

Carlson has since been linked to the Flyers by multiple people, implying that Philadelphia could be one of the former Washington Capitals first-round pick’s top destinations.
Daily Faceoff was told that the Flyers would be very interested in bringing Carlson in on a short term contract. If Carlson is (hypothetically) looking for a two year contract, the Flyers are prepared to hand him an AAV in the $8 million range, according to sources.

Di Marco notes that with the Flyers' woeful power play (they were dead last in the NHL this season at just 15.7%, 30th in the league the year before, and dead last again two years back), Carlson's offensive prowess could be a huge boost.

The insider also notes that with the likes of youngsters Oliver Bonk (21) and David Jiricek (22) having the potential to be power play quarterbacks down the road, bringing in Carlson as a mentor would be a very smart move. The 36-year-old, after all, has been doing that job, with absolute aplomb, for over a dozen years.

Di Marco also notes that the draft pick used by the Capitals to originally draft Carlson back in 2008 (first round, 27th overall) was actually acquired from the Flyers. A little poetic justice, perhaps, if he finally makes his way to Philly.