Metropolitan Division Breakout Candidates

Washington Capitals

Mar 30, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at the First Niagara Center. Capitals beat the Sabres 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

John Carlson  – Entering his fifth pro season, Carlson has been an effective puck mover, but there is still another level to his game that maturity could bring this season.  Now that he is more comfortable in Adam Oates‘ system, the reins might be released a bit and Carlson could move from 40 point level to 60 point level this year.