The Carolina Hurricanes acquired the signing rights to pending UFA defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for prospect Kyle Masters and the No. 192 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The trade paused Round 6 at pick 192 for roughly 15 to 20 minutes while the teams finalized the deal. Carolina’s front office framed the move as buying an exclusive window to negotiate with Carlson before free agency opens; Ducks reporter Chris Johnston said there was no pre-arranged contract in place. Hurricanes assistant general manager Darren Yorke said the team is always trying to get better and that the move fits that approach. Anaheim used the No. 192 selection to take forward Noah Kosick. With the rights now in Carolina, the Hurricanes can negotiate with Carlson ahead of the July 1 unrestricted free-agent market.
