The Carolina Hurricanes may be the reigning Stanley Cup champions. However, the Canes are still wheeling and dealing this draft weekend. Carolina has acquired the John Carlson rights to negotiate with the veteran blueliner from the Anaheim Ducks. The Hurricanes sent over the 192nd overall pick in the NHL Draft and Kyle Masters.
The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired the rights to pending UFA John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for pick No. 192 and Kyle Masters, per Chris Johnston.
John Carlson Rights Acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes
Carlson has played for the Washington Capitals and the Ducks across his 17-year NHL career. The longtime Capitals player was dealt to the Ducks at the trade deadline. He recorded 14 goals and 46 assists for 60 points in 71 combined games between Washington and Anaheim. The one-time Stanley Cup winner registered 23 minutes, 10 seconds of ice time last season. Carlson had a Corsi for of 60.2 and a relative Corsi of 8.4.
The Natick, Massachusetts native has 170 goals and 615 assists for 785 points in 1,159 career games. Washington originally drafted him in the first round, 27th overall of the 2008 NHL Draft. Carlson also got the game-winning goal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships to give the Americans their first gold medal in tournament history.
The Ducks used the 192nd pick to take Western Hockey League forward Noah Kosick. Masters has bounced between the AHL and the ECHL so far in his professional career.
(Credit Image: © Eric Canha/Cal Sport Media)
What It Means
Getting the negotiating rights means that Carolina can talk to Carlson first and sign him before any other teams have a shot at inking him. The veteran defenceman has a chance to join a deep defensive group that includes Shayne Gostisbehere and Jaccob Slavin. One wonders what the future may hold for Alexander Nikishin in Carolina.
It doesn’t seem that Carolina is resting on its laurels and is full intent on repeating as Stanley Cup champions. Players like Carlson won’t have to eat so many minutes if he does decide to sign a contract with the Hurricanes this offseason.
Main photo by: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
