Austin Konenski
The Florida Panthers are looking to take the necessary steps to make the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After winning the Stanley Cup Finals over the last two seasons, Florida missed the playoffs due to extreme injuries. Now, the Panthers have time to rest, and they could be a destination for one of the NHL’s best defensemen.
John Buccigross could see John Carlson joining the Panthers for the 2026-27 NHL season, the ESPN personality said on Frankly Hockey. Carlson joined the Washington Capitals during the 2009-2010 NHL season and spent 17 years with the organization before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks.
Now, Carlson is poised to become a free agent, so what would it take for Florida to land him this summer?
What it would take for the Florida Panthers to sign John Carlson
Carlson is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent during the 2026 NHL offseason, and he should be in demand. The 36-year-old defenseman is a top-5 free agent this offseason, coming off an $8 million cap hit. So, what would Carlson demand from Florida this summer?
A two or three-year contract from $8-10 million per season would likely be what it takes to sign Carlson. The Panthers are projected to have roughly $15 million in cap space this offseason, according to Spotrac. This doesn’t include Florida’s need for two goalies, including Sergei Bobrovsky.
Carlson would be an outstanding fit with the Panthers, giving the team reliable star power on defense. The 36-year-old defenseman would elevate Florida’s offense in another run to the Stanley Cup Finals. After all, Carlson fits the timeline for Florida, as the organization looks for another championship.
While a return to Washington might be unlikely, Carlson could return to Anaheim after the team took a chance on acquiring him. The Ducks are a young and rising organization, but the Panthers might be a better fit over the next two to three years.
Carlson should command nearly $10 million, but it remains to be seen if Florida can fit him into the payroll.
Read More: 5 Bold Moves That Could Reshape the Florida Panthers This 2026 Offseason
