Hurricanes Acquire Negotiating Rights to Defenseman John Carlson

The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired the exclusive negotiating rights to unrestricted free agent defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks. The transaction involved sending prospect Kyle Masters and the No. 192 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft to Anaheim. This strategic move grants Carolina the opportunity to secure the veteran blueliner for the upcoming season as they look to bolster their defensive core following the NHL draft.