It’s not very often that an active player is part of Grant & Danny’s Beltway Blitz, but that’s what we got Tuesday when John Carlson joined the guys to preview the Capitals’ season!
The 16th year defenseman and his team will celebrate the franchise’s 50th season when they drop the puck for the first time Saturday night at Capital One Arena, and there’s a different vibe in the air.
“Definitely a different type of year coming into this season than I've been accustomed to. I think ever since I've been here, we've kind of been a status quo team, maybe adding a guy or two here or there, but this is definitely the biggest turnover we’ve had, and I’m just really excited,” Carlson said. “I think we created a good foundation last year, and I hope with these new additions, that I really feel are gonna make a huge difference in our success on the ice, we’re gonna be a good team this year.”
The biggest difference coming into this year, besides the roster?
“I think we’re a little younger, so guys just kind of trying to find their footing, trying to find more enhanced roles, and I think guys did well with those roles but obviously it's, it's tough, it's tough in this league to just come in as a young guy and all of a sudden be a force,” Carlson said. “I think now we got a little bit more of an infusion of like middle age gap kind of guys that have been through it a little bit, have had great years and success, and we’ve blended those with our young guys that are due for a big step forward as well.”
Carlson is one of a handful of players left from the Caps’ Stanley Cup run, but he’s got a couple veteran defensemen on the blue line with him and ‘a lot more Swiss Army Knives’ in the forward group – and one old face who is new again in Jakub Vrana, who has made the Opening Day roster after four years (and a lot of turmoil) away.
“It's a crazy story and I’m proud of him. I talked to him today, and said it’s great to see him,” Carlson said. “You always root for a guy like that, that you have so much connection to. I know him very well, and you're just rooting for those kinds of guys to get it back on the rails who are clearly still as talented as when they left and hungry to prove people wrong. I think that’s where he is; he’s a great kid, brings a smile to the rink every single day, and I just love seeing him there.”
Take a listen to Carlson’s full Blitz, which also sees Carly look at the Caps’ 50th Anniversary Event on Thursday, reflect on his long career in DC, and more!