John Carlson‘s time as a member of the Anaheim Ducks is over.
Per reporting from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Carlson’s agent, Rick Curran, notified Ducks GM Pat Verbeek that his client would be moving on during free agency, with a preference to play in the Eastern Conference due to his familiarity with those teams and to be closer to his family.
The Ducks and Carlson had been working on a contract extension after the 36-year-old defenseman posted 14 points (4g, 10a) in 16 regular-season games and added six assists in 12 playoff games. Carlson also scored his first career hat trick with the team on April 9 against the San Jose Sharks.
After 17 seasons in DC, the two-time NHL All-Star was dealt by the Washington Capitals to the Ducks ahead of the trade deadline for a first- and third-round pick.
LeBrun believes that “at least” four or five Eastern Conference teams will try to sign the 2018 Stanley Cup champion defenseman at the start of free agency, with a two-year, $20 million contract ($10 million AAV) likely being available to him, as a baseline. LeBrun mused that the Tampa Bay Lightning could be a fit if Darren Raddysh moves on in free agency.
Last week, hockey insider Frank Seravalli also listed the Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks as potential suitors. Both teams need a power-play quarterback, and the Flyers are lacking right-handed options on their backend.
The Capitals could also revisit their talks with their former longtime alternate captain. Carlson has maintained ties to the area since his departure, wearing a University of Maryland hat during his Breakdown Day interview with Ducks media and recently hanging out with goaltender Logan Thompson.
Previous reporting from LeBrun indicated that Carlson was in talks with the Capitals on a two-year contract extension worth $9 million per season before he was traded to the Ducks.
