John Carlson re-signs with the Caps: What's next?

After trading veteran defenseman Brooks Orpik (and his cap hit) to the Colorado Avalanche, GM Brian MacLellan of the Washington Capitals was optimistic he'd be able to re-sign John Carlson before the most coveted defenseman among unrestricted free agents went to market. "We're really close," MacLellan said Friday in Dallas. He wasn't kidding. Carlson and the Capitals announced an eight-year, $64 million deal less than 48 hours later, keeping the 28-year-old on the Stanley Cup champions. ...