July 2 (UPI) — The Tampa Bay Lightning signed free agent defenseman John Carlson to a two-year, $17 million contract, general manager Julien BriseBois announced.
The 36-year-old defenseman appeared in 71 games last season, which he split with the Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals.
Carlson joined the Ducks in a March trade. The Ducks traded Carlson’s negotiating rights to the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. He became an unrestricted free agent Wednesday after the sides failed to agree to a contract.
Carlson totaled 14 goals and 46 assists last season. The 17-year veteran registered a career-best 60 assists in 2019-20, when he was named an All-Star for the second consecutive season.
He joined the Capitals as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3 defenseman received All-Rookie honors in 2009-10 and won a Stanley Cup with Capitals in 2017-18.
Carlson is the Capitals’ all-time leader among defenseman in games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605) and points (771).
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