John Carlson makes a decision on his future

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John Carlson makes a decision on his future

After just 16 regular-season games in Anaheim, veteran defenseman John Carlson has made it clear that his time with the Ducks is over. His agent, Rick Curran, confirmed to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that Carlson will not be signing an extension with the club and instead plans to test unrestricted free agency when the market opens on July 1.

Curran told LeBrun that he had productive conversations with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, but ultimately his client's desire to be closer to home won out. "I told him how much John enjoyed his time in Anaheim. But his preference is to return and play in the East, closer to family and the familiarity with it. Pat was naturally disappointed but completely understood," Curran explained.

A surprising deadline acquisition that didn't lead to a long-term fit

The Ducks paid a significant price to bring Carlson aboard at the 2026 trade deadline, sending the 18th overall pick in this year's draft along with a 2027 third-round selection to the Washington Capitals. That deal ended Carlson's remarkable 17-year run in D.C., where he became the franchise's all-time leader among defensemen in games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605), and points (771).

In Anaheim, Carlson made an immediate impact, registering four goals and 14 points in his 16 regular-season appearances while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game. He continued to contribute in the postseason, collecting six assists across 12 playoff games as the Ducks knocked off the two-time Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers in the first round.

Earlier this spring, reports indicated that the Ducks and Carlson had engaged in exploratory extension talks. However, those discussions eventually stalled and ultimately came to a halt entirely. While Verbeek's reputation as a tough negotiator may have played a role, it appears the primary factor was simply Carlson's strong pull toward the Eastern Conference, where he spent virtually his entire career.

Before the trade, Carlson and the Capitals had reportedly been working on a two-year extension worth approximately $9 million per season. Now that he's hitting the open market, some insiders believe the 36-year-old could command even more, potentially landing a two-year deal worth $10 million annually or higher.

Potential suitors and what comes next

LeBrun reports that at least four or five Eastern Conference teams are expected to pursue Carlson's services this summer. The Massachusetts native is currently ranked sixth on TSN Hockey's Top 30 UFA list, and his combination of offensive production and playoff experience makes him an attractive target for contending teams.

The Boston Bruins stand out as a particularly intriguing destination. Carlson grew up in Natick, Mass., and the Bruins have a clear need for a right-handed defenseman to slot into their top four alongside Charlie McAvoy. Boston also has more than $15 million in available cap space heading into the offseason, with much of their roster already locked in for next season.

A return to Washington is another possibility that makes emotional sense, though the Capitals' defensive corps is already fairly crowded. The situation could become more complicated by Rasmus Sandin's recovery from a torn ACL, which leaves a hole on the right side of their top pairing. Washington also needs to decide whether to bring back Trevor van Riemsdyk, another pending unrestricted free agent.

The Tampa Bay Lightning represent another potential landing spot, particularly if Darren Raddysh departs in free agency. Tampa would need to get creative with their cap situation, but adding Carlson's scoring ability from the blue line could be a worthwhile gamble for a team looking to remain competitive.

The Ottawa Senators could also enter the conversation if Carlson is open to playing in Canada. Pairing him with either Jake Sanderson or Thomas Chabot would give Ottawa a formidable defensive duo.

Over the course of his 1,159-game career split between Washington and Anaheim, Carlson has accumulated 170 goals and 785 points. He is a two-time All-Star, a Stanley Cup champion from 2018, and a former Norris Trophy finalist who has finished in the top 10 of voting five times. At 36, he's clearly entering the final chapter of his career and has made it known that winning remains a top priority.

With Carlson moving on, the Ducks may now turn their attention to re-engaging in contract negotiations with pending free agent Jacob Trouba. The 32-year-old defenseman and the organization reportedly share mutual interest in continuing their relationship after Trouba posted 10 goals and 35 points in 81 games last season. Free agency opens July 1, and Carlson's market figures to heat up quickly.

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