Overview
- Carlson’s agent told Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek that the 36-year-old will not re-sign and will enter unrestricted free agency, with multiple outlets reporting the notification on Tuesday.
- The long-time Capitals defenseman was traded to Anaheim at the deadline, played 16 regular-season games and 12 playoff games for the Ducks, and finished the 2025–26 season with 60 points in 71 games split between Washington and Anaheim.
- Insiders project Carlson will command a raise from his prior $8 million AAV, with common estimates around $9–10 million per season on a two- to three-year deal as teams factor in his scoring and playoff experience.
- Several Eastern teams are named as likely suitors in reporting, including Boston, Washington, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and Ottawa, with Chicago and the Ducks also mentioned depending on cap fits and roster needs.
- Free agency opens July 1 at 12:00 p.m. ET, creating a compressed window for offers and potential ripple effects on teams’ plans for right-handed defensemen and cap allocation heading into next season.