Pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman John Carlson won't re-sign with the Anaheim Ducks, his agent, Rick Curran, told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun on Tuesday.
"I've had good discussions with (Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek)," 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."
Carlson produced 60 points in 71 games last season, including four goals and 10 assists in 16 appearances with the Ducks after being traded by the Washington Capitals at the deadline. He added six points in 12 playoff games.
Anaheim surrendered a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round selection in exchange for Carlson.
The Capitals and Carlson had discussed a two-year extension with a $9-million cap hit before the team ultimately decided to trade him, LeBrun reports.
Carlson projects to be one of the top defensemen in a UFA class that could also include Darren Raddysh and Rasmus Andersson.
