The Montreal Canadiens head into the summer with growing expectations after taking a significant step forward during the 2025-26 season. A surprising run to the Eastern Conference Final accelerated expectations around the organization and has shifted its focus from rebuilding to competing.
With cap space available and several notable free agents preparing to hit the market, rumors have started flying across the league.
One Stanley Cup-winning defenseman has been linked to contenders searching for experience and offensive punch. But despite the noise surrounding his future, Canadiens insider Marco D'Amico believes Montreal is unlikely to enter that race.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson is expected to be one of the most talked-about names when free agency opens on July 1.
The Stanley Cup-winning defenseman, who helped the Washington Capitals capture the 2018 championship, reportedly declined to sign an extension with the Anaheim Ducks and will test the market after another productive season. His combination of experience, offensive production, and playoff credentials has made him one of the most intriguing free agents available.
The fit in Montreal appears logical at first glance.
Carlson wants to return to the Eastern Conference, Montreal has cap flexibility, and the Canadiens are searching for ways to build on a breakthrough playoff run. However, Marco D'Amico believes the connection may be much weaker than many assume.
Addressing the growing speculation on X, D'Amico wrote , "I know the questions will come, but I would be surprised if Montreal fit in that mix, just because Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson would occupy the top PP unit roles. And, at his asking price, would impede Montreal from improving at forward."
This comment gets to the heart of the issue.
Carlson remains a high-end offensive defenseman, but Montreal's blueline already features two players expected to drive the team's power play for years to come. Bringing in another expensive puck-moving defenseman could create redundancy rather than solve a pressing roster need.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The financial side only strengthens that argument. Carlson is rumored to be looking for a significant short-term contract despite being 36 years old. For a Canadiens team trying to maximize every dollar, that kind of investment could limit its ability to address a bigger need: adding scoring talent up front.
What's interesting is that Carlson's market remains strong because his play has not shown major signs of decline. He finished the 2025-26 season with 60 points in 71 games and continued to handle top-pairing responsibilities.
After arriving in Anaheim at the trade deadline, he gave the Ducks a major boost, producing 14 points in 16 regular-season games before contributing six assists during their playoff run.
D'Amico also pointed toward a destination that may make more sense for the veteran blueliner.
In another post, he wrote , "RE: John Carlson, hearing that winning is more of a priority for him, though the salary demands will naturally be substantial. I wrote about it a few days ago, but a serious alternative for Tampa Bay to replace a potentially departing Darren Raddysh makes too much sense."
This observation could end up being important as free agency approaches. Tampa Bay offers a clear win-now environment and may have a need if Raddysh departs, which looks increasingly likely.
Montreal, meanwhile, appears more focused on strengthening its forward group and maximizing the growth of its young core.
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For now, Carlson's name will continue to swirl around the rumor mill. But if D'Amico's read on the situation is correct, Canadiens fans shouldn't expect Kent Hughes to be leading the chase when the bidding begins.
