Lightning eyeing Carlson as free agent target — The Fourth Period
Having moved defenceman Darren Raddysh to the Toronto Maple Leafs last week, the Tampa Bay Lightning are exploring the market for a replacement on their backend.
Lightning GM Julien BriseBois is examining both the trade market and the free agent pool to see what options are and may become available to him over the next seven-to-ten days.
One player the Bolts are believed to have interest in is veteran blueline John Carlson, who informed already the Anaheim Ducks that he will be testing the market as a free agent once July 1 hits.
Carlson, 36, was traded to the Ducks from the Washington Capitals prior to the trade deadline and will be evaluating his options next week.
According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic, Carlson may be looking for a two-year contract worth $10 million per season. Could that figure drop if he were to sign with the Lightning, who play in an income tax free state?
In 71 games with the Capitals and Ducks this past season, Carlson registered 14 goals and 46 assists for 60 points, his highest point total since the 2021-22 season.
