Hurricanes’ Interesting Situation with John Carlson

While it was a busy couple of days for the Carolina Hurricanes with the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, they made a move that surprised people. Right as they were about to make their last selection of the draft at the time, with the 192nd overall pick to conclude the sixth round, they traded it away to the Anaheim Ducks, along with restricted free agent (RFA) Kyle Masters. What they got back in return is what turned some heads.

Carlson Staying in Carolina?

In return for the 192nd pick and Masters, the Hurricanes received the rights for the upcoming unrestricted free agent (UFA) John Carlson. Following the conclusion of the draft, assistant general manager Darren Yorke stated, “Like Eric (Tulsky) mentioned last night, we’re always trying to get better, and a move like that is no different. (We are) trying to make sure that we are always in a position to look at every opportunity to try to get better.”

In his 17th NHL season, Carlson had 14 goals and 60 points split between the Washington Capitals and the Ducks in 71 games. What makes it interesting is that the 36-year-old right-shot defenseman has made $8 million annually over the last eight seasons. Some believe that Carlson could be looking for something between the $9 million and $10 million annual range. Pierre LeBrun thinks a possible deal could be two years, $10 million per season.

He also believes that the Hurricanes are among four or five teams interested in Carlson for the 2026-27 season. That said, the Hurricanes don’t have anyone making $10 million or more a season. Sebastian Aho is the highest-paid player at $9.75 million annually on the roster. While the cap is going up to $104 million, will the defending Stanley Cup champions go for the $10 million?

What About Alexander Nikishin?

That leads into another situation; the Hurricanes still have to sign RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who’s coming off the last year of his entry-level contract (ELC). Nikishin has been in a ton of noise as of late, as he’s only 24 years old and is considered a top young defenseman in the Hurricanes’ system. General manager Eric Tulsky stated when asked about Nikishin and the rumors, “He was a big piece of our team this past year, and may be a big piece going forward. Naturally, the one (player) who is not under contract is the one who stirs up a bunch of speculation. But, our goal is to keep taking steps anyway we can.”

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Nikishin there, even if Carlson signs with the Hurricanes or not. Adding a Stanley Cup champion defenseman, even for two seasons, could be interesting in the dynamic of the roster. Plus, it adds another right-shot defenseman, which the Hurricanes are kind of thin at. However, does it make sense to add a 36-year-old instead of extending a player who is 12 years younger?

The Hurricanes have until July 1 to sign Carlson to a deal. If they don’t, do they let him walk for nothing, or could they deal him before then to get at least something back? While it was only a sixth-round pick and a young RFA defenseman, is there something the Hurricanes see that others don’t? Also, could there be a plan to use Carlson as a piece for something else in a trade?

Either way, it did make for some interesting speculations over the weekend when it comes to Carlson’s rights being owned by the Hurricanes. Could he possibly sign to stay in Raleigh, or will he be traded again? If not either of those, does he head to free agency, and the Hurricanes traded away a pick and a player for the off-chance to get more time to talk with Carlson? It’s something to keep an eye on as we’re about two days away from free agency starting on Wednesday, July 1.