Capitals GM optimistic about re-signing John Carlson: 'We're close'

One of the biggest potential NHL free-agent prizes might be off the market before the frenzy begins.

Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan says a new deal with defenseman John Carlson could be imminent.

"We're close," MacLellan told reporters after the first round of the NHL draft in Dallas on Friday night, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "Hopefully we get something done in the next couple of days."

The Capitals cleared some cap space earlier Friday by trading goaltender Philipp Grubauer and blue-liner Brooks Orpik to the Colorado Avalanche.

Carlson will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if he's unable to come to terms with Washington.