The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired the negotiating rights to veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks, the team announced Saturday.
In exchange, the Hurricanes sent defenseman Kyle Masters and a 2026 draft asset to Anaheim.
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The Ducks used the acquired 192nd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to select 17-year-old center Noah Kosick.
Carlson, 36, is a pending unrestricted free agent after completing an eight-year contract with an $8 million annual salary cap hit.
He split the recent season between the Washington Capitals and the Ducks after a trade-deadline move from Washington for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round selection.
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Carlson recorded 14 goals and 60 points in 71 combined games, his highest offensive output since the 2021-22 campaign.
Contract Window
Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky has a four-day window to secure a contract extension with Carlson before free agency opens on July 1.
If an agreement is reached, Carlson will join the reigning 2026 Stanley Cup champions and face his former team, the Capitals, as a division rival.
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Carolina has $11.1 million in remaining salary cap space, which is expected to comfortably accommodate Carlson's projected contract—reportedly a two-year deal valued around $9 million.
