Defenseman John Carlson has signed a two-year contract worth 17 million dollars with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The move came as a big surprise, as the reigning champion Carolina Hurricanes acquired Carlson’s negotiating rights last week. Now the player has ended up in the camp of one of the fiercest divisional rivals.

However, the team and the player did not reach an agreement before Wednesday’s deadline, after which the 36-year-old American defenseman was free to negotiate with all NHL teams.

Carlson moved from the Washington Capitals to the Anaheim Ducks last spring. Last season, he played 71 games in the regular season and recorded points of 14+46.

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