The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired the negotiation rights to veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. The trade, which occurred ahead of the free agency period, gives Carolina an exclusive window to negotiate with the veteran blueliner.
In exchange for the rights to the 36-year-old defenseman, the Hurricanes have sent prospect Kyle Masters and a 2026 seventh-round pick (No. 192 overall) to Anaheim. John Carlson had previously been moved from the Washington Capitals to the Ducks at the 2026 trade deadline.
By acquiring his rights, the Hurricanes gain a head start on securing the two-time All-Star. Under the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, Carolina can offer Carlson a maximum contract length of seven years. Only the team a player was with at the trade deadline—in this case, the Ducks—could have offered an eight-year extension.
John Carlson remains a significant offensive threat from the back end and a veteran leader with a Stanley Cup championship on his resume. The Hurricanes now look to integrate the veteran into a defensive unit that has been a consistent strength for the franchise.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
