The Anaheim Ducks’ trade deadline acquisition John Carlson’s career with the team is set to be short. Carlson’s camp has informed the Ducks that the defenseman intends to test his value in the NHL’s summer free agency.

Anaheim acquired Carlson at the trade deadline in March from the Washington Capitals at a high price. The Ducks gave up their first-round draft pick in the deal to bring in one of the NHL’s most experienced offensive defensemen.

The 36-year-old American made an immediate impact in California. Carlson recorded impressive numbers for a defenseman with 4+10=14 points in the last 16 regular-season games and continued to be effective in the playoffs, collecting six assists in 12 games.

According to North American sources, Carlson’s decision is based on family reasons. The veteran defenseman wants to return to the NHL’s Eastern Conference, where he has spent nearly his entire career representing the Capitals.

Carlson is one of the most significant players in Capitals franchise history. He played in Washington for nearly 17 seasons and was part of the team that won its only Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

His personal statistics are also impressive. Carlson has played a total of 1,159 regular-season games in the NHL, achieving outstanding numbers of 170+615=785 points.

The veteran demonstrated this past season that he is still in top form, collecting a total of 60 points in 71 games.

Carlson earned eight million dollars per season from his expiring contract.

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