Capitals sign defenceman Carlson to six-year, US$23.8-million contract extension

WASHINGTON - The Washington Capitals have signed defenceman John Carlson to a six-year, US$23.8-million contract extension.

Carlson will earn $3.8 million in 2012-13 and $4 million per year from the 2013-14 season through 2017-18.

The 22-year-old native of Natick, Mass., recorded 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) and 22 penalty minutes in 82 games last season with Washington, setting a career-high in goals scored.

He finished the season ranked second among Capitals defencemen in goals, points and shots (152) and tied for the team lead among defencemen in power-play goals (four).

The six-foot-three, 212-pound defenceman was originally drafted by Washington in the first round (27th overall) of the 2008 NHL draft.