· 2026-06-28

The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired the rights to defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks.
The Ducks received 23-year-old defenseman Kyle Masters and the 192nd pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in return.
The Carolina Hurricanes are currently standing 1st in the Eastern Conference with a 53-22 record, on a W1 streak, after winning 0-3 @ Vegas Golden Knights on 2026-06-15.
John Carlson, a 36-year-old pending free agent, 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.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes will try to sign Carlson, who may come in near the $9M range.
The acquisition of John Carlson's rights is a significant move for the Carolina Hurricanes, as they aim to maximize their title window.
GM Eric Tulsky is taking a proactive approach to strengthen the team's roster.
The Hurricanes' fans will be watching closely to see how this move plays out, and whether Carlson will don the Hurricanes' jersey next season.
And with the 2026-27 campaign approaching, the team is gearing up to make a strong push for the Stanley Cup.
But for now, the focus is on signing Carlson to a contract that works for both parties.
So the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this deal.
The Carolina Hurricanes are preparing to make a sizable commitment to John Carlson, and it will be interesting to see how this investment pays off.