John Carlson Signs Entry Level Contract with the Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals have signed former New Jersey Rocket defenseman John Carlson, one of their two first round picks from the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, to an entry-level contract.  Carlson, chosen 27^th overall in the June draft, signed a three-year contract.  Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Carlson played his entire Youth hockey career (Mite through Bantam) and the first two years of Junior with the New Jersey Rockets.  He spent the 2007-08 season with the Indiana Ice of the USHL.  John was a member of the 2004-2005 Bantam Major team that won a Bronze Medal at the USA Hockey National Championships in Chicago, IL.  John was named Offensive Defensemen of the year and a first team All Star in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League for the 2006 - 2007 season.

"We are thrilled to share the news that our very own John Carlson has signed an NHL contract with the Washington Capitals.  It seems like only yesterday, he was suiting up with his Mite team.  We are so happy for John and his entire family and proud of his accomplishments" said Peggy Del Mauro, President of the New Jersey Rockets. 

Carlson, 18, is a 6-3, 210-pound resident of Colonia, NJ.  He appeared in two pre-season games with the Capitals and recorded two assists.

A video slideshow of Carlson at the NHL Draft can be found online at http://www.ushl.com/news/0708/20080707AllAccess.cfm.