Carlson, 28, recorded a career-high 15 goals and 53 assists last season and his 68 points led all NHL defensemen. Carlson became the eighth defensemen in franchise history to record 60 points in a season and the first since Mike Green in 2009-10 (76 points, 19g, 57a). In addition, the Natick, Mass., native recorded the seventh-highest single season point total in franchise history. Carlson became the third Capitals defenseman to lead the NHL in points since 2000 (Sergei Gonchar: 2001-02, 59 points; Mike Green: 2008-09, 2009-10: 73 and 76 points, respectively). Carlson's 24:47 minutes per game was tied for 12th in the NHL and a new personal high. The 6'3", 218-pound defenseman finished fifth in the Norris Trophy vote as the NHL's top defenseman.