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Hurricanes acquire rights to John Carlson from Ducks
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- Hurricanes acquire rights to John Carlson from Ducks
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John Carlson will need to take some time to gather his bearings amid a whirlwind 2026. The respected defenseman was sent to the Anaheim Ducks at the NHL trade deadline following a 17-plus-year run with the Washington Capitals, only to be shipped to the new Stanley Cup champions almost four months later. The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired the rights to the pending free agent after making a deal with the Ducks on Saturday, per insider Elliotte Friedman
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Anaheim receives 23-year-old defenseman Kyle Masters (has not debuted) and the 192nd pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, who turned out to be teenage center Noah Kosick. Considering the team traded a conditional 2026 first and a 2027 third-rounder for Carlson back in March, this return value will surely irk many fans. Though, those same people probably appreciated the proactive approach that general manager Pat Verbeek took by getting the 2018 champ in the first place.
The Ducks believed there was an opportunity to run wild in the Western Conference, and the Vegas Golden Knights arguably proved that point. Though, it is obvious this organization did not expect Carlson's free agency value to rise so much. Apparently, Carolina is prepared to make a sizable commitment to the 36-year-old.
"Hurricanes will try to sign Carlson, who may come in near the $9M range," Friedman posted on X. Retaining hockey's holy grail is not cheap.
Although such an annual average value is a steep price to pay for an aging player, GM Eric Tulsky is trying to maximize the Canes' title window. John Carlson can still make an impact on both ends of the ice, having totaled 14 goals, 46 assists, and 106 blocks during his time with the Capitals and Ducks last season. He will process this news and lock down his plans for the 2026-27 campaign, and beyond.
Related: Hurricanes' Eric Tulsky reveals surgery timelines for Eric Robinson, Seth Jarvis
Related: Hurricanes rumors: Carolina's major trade offer for Jets' Connor Hellebuyck
