He played for St. Lawrence University from 1981 to 1983 and was drafted 32nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Carlson played all of the 1983-84 season with the Canadiens, but was used mostly as a fighter. He suffered many injuries as a result. After 1984 Carlson was used sparingly by the Canadiens and was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1986. A spinal operation caused him to miss the entire 1986-87 season. He returned in 1987-88 but retired after th 1988-89 season. In the NHL Carlson played in 113 games and scored 7 goals and 11 assists.
He played for St. Lawrence University from 1981 to 1983 and was drafted 32nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Carlson played all of the 1983-84 season with the Canadiens, but was used mostly as a fighter. He suffered many injuries as a result. After 1984 Carlson was used sparingly by the Canadiens and was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1986. A spinal operation caused him to miss the entire 1986-87 season. He returned in 1987-88 but retired after th 1988-89 season. In the NHL Carlson played in 113 games and scored 7 goals and 11 assists.