The Anaheim Ducks have traded the rights to star defenseman John Carlson to the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL after the veteran star refused to negotiate a contract extension with the California team.

In return, the Ducks received 23-year-old defensive prospect Kyle Masters and a sixth-round draft pick.

However, the trade does not guarantee that Carlson will wear a Hurricanes jersey next season. Carolina now has the right to negotiate with the star defenseman until early July. If a deal is not reached, Carlson will be able to test his value in free agency.

Carlson joined the Ducks only at the trade deadline in March when the Washington Capitals unexpectedly decided to trade their trusted defenseman, who had played his entire NHL career with the team. After the season ended, the experienced defenseman quickly made it clear that he was not interested in a contract extension with Anaheim.

According to reports from North America, Carlson wants to return to the Eastern Conference and is aiming for an annual salary of up to nine million dollars in his next contract. The Hurricanes have approximately 11.1 million dollars in salary cap space, so a deal would be possible from a financial standpoint.

Despite being 36 years old, Carlson remains one of the most dangerous offensive defensemen in the NHL. He recorded impressive stats of 14+46=60 in 71 regular-season games played with Washington and Anaheim last season.

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