The Tampa Bay Lightning added one of the top defensemen on the free-agent market, signing John Carlson to a two-year, $17 million contract.
Contract Details
The deal carries an $8.5 million cap hit for Carlson, who reached the open market after a brief negotiating window with the Carolina Hurricanes did not lead to a contract. Carolina acquired Carlson’s rights from the Anaheim Ducks on June 27 for defenseman Kyle Masters and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, but the sides were unable to complete a deal before free agency opened July 1.
Carlson, 36, spent last season with the Washington Capitals and Ducks, finishing with 14 goals and 60 points in 71 games while averaging 23:10 of ice time. Anaheim acquired him from Washington at the trade deadline, and Carlson added six assists in 12 playoff games as the Ducks reached the second round.
Career Overview
Selected by Washington with the No. 27 pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, Carlson recorded 170 goals and 615 assists across 1,159 regular-season games with the Capitals (2009-26) and Ducks. He was a major part of Washington’s Cup run, producing five goals and 20 points in 24 playoff games.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
