📸: Alan Dobbins/RMNB
Former Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson has apparently chosen his next destination.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported Wednesday night that Carlson has signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning worth $8.5 M per season.
John Carlson has signed with Tampa Bay, two years, $17 m total ($8.5 M AAV)
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 2, 2026
Though Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman linked Carlson and the Lightning more than a week before the start of free agency, the Carolina Hurricanes made a big push to convince Carlson to sign, acquiring Carlson’s rights at the draft last weekend but failing to come to an agreement.
A 17-year veteran in Washington, Carlson’s tenure in DC ended when the Capitals traded him to the Anaheim Ducks this spring for a first-round and third-round pick. Carlson tallied 14 points (4g, 10a) in 16 games in Anaheim to end the regular season with 60 points (14g, 46a), then added six assists in 12 Ducks playoff games.
This story is developing.