I present to you John Carlson as a second potential case for the salary-cap era’s first sign-and-trade deal.



I detailed the potential merits of a John Tavares sign-and-trade a couple of weeks ago, perhaps a long shot, but a possibility no less that his camp is making sure to cover in its off-season preparations.



Well, the same goes for Carlson, another pending UFA who just happens to be having a monster, career season at just the right time, leading all NHL defensemen in points while playing in all situations for the Washington Capitals.



Now, all things being equal, I think Carlson would prefer to say put in Washington on a long-term deal and that’s very much the Caps’ intention as well.



But the club is cap-challenged and his huge season just keeps adding dollars to what will be a sizeable contract. Carlson would be the biggest UFA blueliner to hit the market since Ryan Suter.



In the event the Caps can’t re-sign him,...