For Washington’s John Carlson, the last couple of seasons have seen him grow into one of the best defensemen in the league. After five goals and 20 points in 24 games in last season’s playoffs, and a pivotal role in the Capitals’ Stanley Cup winning run, Carlson was rewarded with an eight-year, $64 million contract, making him the second highest paid player on the team behind Alex Ovechkin.
Despite Carlson’s stellar season, scintillating postseason and 68-point tally in 2017/18, he an All Star game spot and (much to the disappointment of then coach Barry Trotz) was not nominated for the Norris Trophy.