John Carlson was arguably the biggest name on the free-agent market in 2026—even though he’s 36 years old.
The defenseman, who just had a 60-point season with the Capitals and the Ducks, still has plenty of good hockey left in him. And everyone was wondering which team would be able to benefit from his services.
But now the matter has been settled: Carlson will continue his career with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He wanted to return to the East, and that’s now a reality.
Carlson has signed a two-year deal that will pay him $8.5 million per year.
And with Darren Raddysh now in Toronto, Carlson will fill that void in Tampa Bay.