ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman John Carlson, one of their two first-round choices (27th overall) in the 2008 Entry Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Carlson, 18, is a 6’3”, 210-pound native of Natick, Mass., who is in his first season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In 12 games this season he has recorded 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists) and is +11. Carlson played two preseason games with the Capitals this season and recorded 2 assists.

Carlson played the last two seasons with the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he registered 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) and led all defenseman on the team in scoring during the 2007-08 regular season. He was also named to the 2008 USHL All-Star East Division team where he recorded an assist.