The Carolina Hurricanes traded prospect Kyle Masters and the 192nd pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Anaheim Ducks for the rights to blue-liner John Carlson, the teams announced Saturday.
Carlson is scheduled for unrestricted free agency on July 1, but the Hurricanes can now sign him to a contract before then. No prearranged agreement is in place between Carlson and the defending Stanley Cup champions, according to The Athletic's Chris Johnston.
The Ducks acquired Carlson in a shock trade with the Washington Capitals prior to March's trade deadline. He notched 14 points in 16 regular-season games in Anaheim before adding six points in the playoffs as the Ducks reached the second round.
Carlson, 36, recorded 60 points between the two clubs in 2025-26 and has averaged 56 points per 82 games over his 17-year career.
Washington drafted Carlson 27th overall in 2008. He finished in the top 10 in Norris Trophy voting four times during his stint in D.C. and won a Stanley Cup in 2018.
Carlson's priority as a free agent was to return to the East Coast, and he could command up to $9 million annually on his next deal, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
The Hurricanes have approximately $11.1 million in cap space, per PuckPedia. Carolina is reportedly shopping blue-liner Alexander Nikishin, who is the club's most prominent restricted free agent this summer.
