John Carlson’s time in Anaheim is already over, and his next destination looks like it will be on the opposite side of the country. The veteran defenseman, who joined the Ducks at the trade deadline and helped snap their five-year playoff drought, has informed general manager Pat Verbeek that he intends to test unrestricted free agency this summer — and his preference is to return to the East Coast, according to his agent, Rick Curran.
A Short but Impactful Stint
Carlson played just 16 regular-season games for Anaheim after arriving from Washington in a deadline deal. He put up four goals and 10 assists in that stretch, then added six more assists in 12 playoff games as the Ducks pushed past Edmonton in the first round before falling to Vegas in the Western Conference semifinals. For a team that hadn’t seen the postseason since 2018, his presence was a clear upgrade on the blue line.
But the fit, it seems, was always going to be temporary. Curran told The Athletic that while Carlson genuinely enjoyed his time in Southern California, the pull of family ties and geographic familiarity was too strong to ignore.
“I’ve had good discussions with Pat,” Curran said. “I told him how much John enjoyed his time in Anaheim. But his preference is to return and play in the East, closer to family and the familiarity with it. Pat was naturally disappointed but completely understood.”
Why This Matters for Anaheim
This isn’t a surprise to anyone following the Ducks’ front-office strategy. Verbeek knew when he made the deal that Carlson would be a rental — a proven winner with a Stanley Cup ring from 2018 who could stabilize the blue line for a playoff push. That mission was accomplished. But losing him for nothing in free agency still stings, especially for a team that’s building around young talent and could have used his leadership for another year or two.
The Ducks now face a hole on the right side of their defense. Jamie Drysdale is the long-term answer, but he’s still developing. Finding a veteran presence — either through trade or another free-agent signing — becomes a priority this offseason.
What’s Next for Carlson?
The 34-year-old has 170 goals and 650 assists in 1,159 career NHL games, all but those 16 with the Capitals. He’s also represented the United States multiple times on the international stage. For a team on the East Coast needing a power-play quarterback and steady minutes, Carlson remains a high-upside addition — even at his age.
Expect the phone to ring. Several Eastern Conference contenders could use a right-handed shot with his track record. The question is whether Carlson wants a contender or a team closer to his offseason home — and how much term he’s willing to accept.
Verbeek, for his part, handled the exit with class. But in a division as competitive as the Pacific, losing a player of Carlson’s caliber without compensation is a tough break.
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