Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson is reportedly set to head to free agency this summer, and his potential new team is the talk of the town. After joining the Ducks on March 5 from the Washington Capitals, the 36-year-old is expected not to extend his short stay with them.

NHL insider Marco D’Amico of the RG hockey news website took to his official X account to offer an in-depth take on the veteran's future.

“RE: John Carlson, hearing that winning is more of a priority for him, though the salary demands will naturally be substantial,” D’Amico wrote on X.

Notably, Carlson was in the final year of his eight-year contract at $8 million average annual value (AAV) with the Capitals before getting traded to the Ducks. It happened after his demand for a two-year, $9 million AAV extension reportedly wasn’t met in Washington.

“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,” the NHL insider added.

As far as replacing defenseman Raddysh, 30, at the Tampa Bay Lightning goes, he can be a natural fit in the short term for the franchise. Raddysh is also set to be headed to free agency on July 1, 2026, after raising his stock at the Lightning with his best-ever performance last season.

In the 2025-26 season, Raddysh actually registered 70 points (22G / 48A) in 73 games with the Lightning. These are slightly better numbers compared to 60 points (14G / 46A) in 71 games for Carlson with the Ducks and the Capitals combined.

Both Raddysh and Carlson played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026 for the Lightning and the Ducks, respectively.

Raddysh scored two points (1G / 1A) in seven playoff games against the Montreal Canadiens before Tampa Bay was eliminated from the Stanley Cup race. On the other hand, Carlson registered six assists in 12 playoff games across two rounds for Anaheim.

What Is The Other Team Vying For John Carlson Apart From Tampa Bay Lightning?

Marco D’Amico sent out another post on X about the other teams who might be interested in the services of John Carlson.

“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 of improving at forward,” he explained.

While the NHL insider didn’t consider the Montreal Canadiens as the best option for Carlson, he did mention the scenario where it might be possible.

After Dobson, 26, joined the Canadiens last season, he forged quite a defensive pairing with youngster Hutson, 22, who started his career at the franchise two years ago. While they have managed to become the top duo in Montreal, the experience of Carlson would certainly bring depth to their roster.

In his illustrious NHL career of 17 seasons, most of it at the Washington Capitals, Carlson played 1,143 games for them, scoring the most points among their defensemen. He ended up with 771 points, including 273 power play points, for the Capitals with 166 goals and 605 assists.

His biggest claim to fame was the Stanley Cup victory in 2018 with Washington.

Moreover, Carlson is now looking for a two-year, $10 million AAV contract with a preference to return to the Eastern Conference, per Pierre LeBrun’s report in The Athletic.

Will John Carlson find a new team willing to pay him his asking price for the next season and beyond? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Ankita Yadav