Carlson, a strong, two-way defenseman, was a key to the Washington Capitals' run to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

After finishing the 2017-18 regular season with NHL career highs in goals (15), assists (53) and points (68), Carlson was even better during the postseason. He led all defensemen in the playoffs with 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) and had a plus-11 rating in 24 games.

The Capitals locked up Carlson long-term on June 24, 2018, signing him to an eight-year, $64 million contract.

But Carlson made a name for himself even before turning pro.

His journey to the NHL started with Indiana of the United States Hockey League. He was named to the USHL's All-Rookie Team and was a Second Team All-Star in 2007-08 after finishing with 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in 59 games.

After Carlson was selected by the Capitals with the No. 27 pick of the 2008 NHL Draft, he bypassed college to play for London of the Ontario Hockey League. In his only season there, Carlson was an OHL Second-Team All-Star and was named team MVP for London after he had 76 points (16 goals, 60 assists) in 59 games. Carlson had 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 14 postseason games to help London advance to the third round in the OHL playoffs.

Following London's elimination, Carlson joined Hershey for the American Hockey League playoffs, appearing in 16 postseason games and helping the Bears win the Calder Cup.

Carlson made his NHL debut on Nov. 20, 2009, during a three-game call-up by the Capitals. As a member of the United States team at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship, Carlson scored the gold medal-winning goal in overtime against Canada in the championship game, his second goal of the game, and was named to the all-tournament team.

Carlson was recalled by Washington for the final month of the season and scored his first NHL goal on March 25, 2010, against the Carolina Hurricanes. He scored his first Stanley Cup Playoff goal in Game 2 of a first-round loss to the Montreal Canadiens. After the Capitals were eliminated, he rejoined Hershey for the AHL playoffs and scored the Calder Cup-clinching goal.

He earned a full-time spot with the Capitals in 2010-11, was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and finished fifth in voting for the Calder Trophy after finishing with 37 points (seven goals, 30 assists) in 82 games. Carlson continued to stand out, producing on offense and using his exceptional mobility and size (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) in the defensive zone. He's also durable: 2017-18 was the fifth time in his NHL career that he played all 82 regular-season games.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• USHL All-Rookie Team (2008)
• USHL Second All-Star Team (2008)
• OHL Second All-Star Team (2009)
• Canadian Major Junior All-Rookie Team (2009)
• AHL All-Rookie Team (2010)
• NHL All-Rookie Team (2011)