New details emerge on John Carlson's contract talks with Capitals before deadline deal

John Carlson is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Talks with the Washington Capitals reportedly included a two-year contract extension worth $9 million per season before he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks at the trade deadline. Carlson played 28 combined regular-season and playoff games with Anaheim, with his 2025-26 season ending in the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Ducks have discussed a new deal with Carlson and his agent, while multiple Eastern teams are reportedly hoping he does not sign before reaching free agency. Carlson said he loved playing in Anaheim but needed time with his family to decide his next career step. Across 71 games with Washington and Anaheim, he recorded 60 points and ranked among the top scoring defensemen and players among scheduled free agents.

"Carlson was in talks with the Washington Capitals on a two-year contract extension worth $9 million per season before he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks at the trade deadline."

"LeBrun added that while the Ducks have spoken with Carlson and his agent, there are "four or five teams in the East" hoping that the veteran defender does not come to terms on a new deal in Anaheim before he hits the open market."

""I certainly loved it here," Carlson, who was wearing a University of Maryland hat during the chat, said to reporters. "There's a lot of moving parts to that to properly answer the question. But, yeah, I've loved my time. It's a special place here for sure, with some extraordinary talent and a really bright future. So that certainly is attractive to anyone, not just myself. So, from that standpoint, that's what I would say. But there's more to it than that, of course, with everything else.""

"In 71 games split between the Capitals and Ducks, Carlson recorded 60 points (14g, 46a). Among all scheduled free agents, he is the second-highest scoring defenseman and fifth-highest scoring player overall. He skated 23:10 of ice time per game, which ranked 29th in the NHL."

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