Should the Maple Leafs Take a Swing on a Top UFA Defenseman?

John Carlson‘s prime may have passed, but in it, he was the NHL’s premier offensive defenseman. Still a top offensive producer, there’s a lot to like about his game, and he’s a player who could become available on July 1, as the veteran isn’t yet ready to commit to an extension with the Anaheim Ducks.

Eric Stephens of The Athletic dug into Carlson’s future with the Ducks and examined key decisions the franchise needs to make this summer. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are reexamining their own blue line, with a lot of chatter that Morgan Rielly’s future with the team is uncertain.

If Rielly goes — or even if he doesn’t — would Carlson be an interesting name for the Maple Leafs to take a swing on?

Why John Carlson Might Be Available

Stephens notes that Carlson was the big deadline addition by Ducks’ GM Pat Verbeek when it became clear he wouldn’t reach terms on an extension with the Washington Capitals. He spent 17 seasons there and was an elite defenseman for them, quarterbacking their power play and logging heavy minutes alongside big stars.

He was traded to the Ducks and picked up right where he left off. He had four goals and 10 assists in 16 regular-season games, adding six more assists in the playoffs before the Ducks recently lost out to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Carlson has said he’s enjoyed being part of the Ducks and would be open to staying. However, he’s not closed off to exploring the market.

Stephens writes:

“The 36-year-old said there have been no numbers exchanged on a new contract with the Ducks. He called his time with the club a “thrill” and a “blast.” But he was also noncommittal, with his wife and family certain to figure into his decision-making.”

source – ‘Breaking down Ducks GM Pat Verbeek’s offseason contract decisions’ – Eric Stephens – The Athletic – 05/17/2026

Why the Maple Leafs?

As mentioned before, if Rielly is moved, the Maple Leafs will need a power-play quarterback. Toronto could potentially get Carlson for around the same money on a shorter term. He’s got more experience in the playoffs, he’s a proven talent who keeps producing and there would be no drop off defensively.

The shakeup would be potentially healthy for a Maple Leafs team looking to make some changes and the stage likely wouldn’t be too big for Carlson, who is likely looking for one last contract to go out on his own terms.

The potential hurdle is whether Carlson would be looking at Toronto as a legitimate option. One of the factors likely to influence his decision (beyond salary) is joining a contender. Is Toronto going to be close with a few roster changes to getting right back into the playoffs? Or, are they leaning the other way?

He said of the Ducks, “It’s a special place here for sure with some extraordinary talent and a really bright future. That certainly is attractive to anyone, not just myself.” Would he feel the same way about the Maple Leafs?

New GM John Chayka and Special Advisor Mats Sundin will be looking to make a splash this offseason, but they’ll have to be cautious in their approach. Where does Carlson fit into that discussion? The team would have to be careful with term, given that his age suggests a drop in offensive production over the next few seasons.