Carlson to test free agent market — The Fourth Period
The Anaheim Ducks tried to get veteran defenceman John Carlson signed to a contract extension to keep him in Orange County, but it appears the blueliner is heading to free agency.
As first reported by Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Carlson’s camp has informed Ducks GM Pat Verbeek that he will not be re-signing with the club.
“I’ve had good discussions with Pat,” Carlson’s agent Rick Curran told The Athletic. “I told him how much John enjoyed his time in Anaheim. But his preference is to return and play in the East, closer to family and the familiarity with it. Pat was naturally disappointed but completely understood.”
LeBrun suggests around five teams could be in the hunt for Carlson’s services via free agency, with the Tampa Bay Lightning being a possibility.
Carlson and the Capitals discussed an extension during the season before Washington traded him to the Ducks ahead of the trade deadline.
