The Washington Capitals were able to keep John Carlson in the fold, and now they're looking to re-sign his defense partner.

The Capitals are apparently "making a serious run" at keeping hold of Michal Kempny, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Kempny was acquired in a midseason trade from the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he struggled to get into the lineup on a regular basis. With the Capitals, he excelled in a top-four role, serving as a steady, low-risk partner for the dynamic Carlson.

As one of the few blue-liners under 30 years old set to hit the open market July 1, there would surely be no shortage of interest in Kempny.

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