john carlson will not re-sign with the Anaheim Ducks and plans to test free agency on July 1. The 36-year-old defenseman prefers to return to the Eastern Conference, putting one of the market’s most experienced blue-liners back in play.
Carlson Leaves Anaheim Open
Rick Curran informed Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek that Carlson will not stay in Anaheim. Curran said, “I’ve had good discussions with Pat” and added, “I told him how much John enjoyed his time in Anaheim.”
That preference came with a clear target. Curran said, “But his preference is to return and play in the East, closer to family and the familiarity with it.”
Verbeek was disappointed, but Curran said he “completely understood” the decision. The Ducks had already talked with Carlson about a potential extension, so the split arrived after a real attempt to keep him from reaching the open market.
Eastern Conference Teams Circle
At least four or five Eastern Conference teams are in the mix for Carlson’s services, and Tampa Bay could become especially aggressive if Darren Raddysh walks as an unrestricted free agent. Carlson sits No. 6 on TSN Hockey’s Top 30 UFA List, which matches the level of interest around him heading into July 1.
The timing matters because Carlson is not a depth add. He logged 14 goals and 60 points in 71 games between the Capitals and Ducks this season, giving any contender a veteran defenseman who can still drive offense from the back end.
Capitals Extension Talks
Before he was dealt at this year’s trade deadline, Carlson spent most of his 17-year NHL career with Washington. He and the Capitals were discussing a two-year extension with an average annual value of $9 million, a deal that would have kept him in Washington through the 2027-28 season.
His resume still carries weight. Carlson has 170 goals and 785 points in 1,159 career games, along with two All-Star selections, one Stanley Cup championship and five top-10 finishes in Norris Trophy voting. A player with that track record does not hit July 1 often.
Free agency could push that market higher still. Carlson could land a two-year deal worth $10 million per season or more, and Anaheim could revisit talks with Jacob Trouba if it wants to keep another veteran defenseman in the mix. Trouba had 10 goals and 35 points in 81 games last season and is coming off a seven-year, $56 million contract with an $8 million average annual value.
