Carlson, 36, spent 16-and-a-half years of his career with the Washington Capitals before they traded him to the Anaheim Ducks this past season.
Now, the veteran defenseman who put up 14 goals and 46 assists this past season heads to a Lightning team that just finished three points below the Buffalo Sabres for the Atlantic Division crown.
Anaheim sent Carlson to the Hurricanes ahead of the NHL free agency period in exchange for Kyle Masters and a 2026 sixth-round pick. But then the Ducks traded back for Masters and sent the Ducks for forward Noah Philip.
No reports mentioned whether the Hurricanes simply didn't want to sign Carlson ahead of the free agency period, or if they did, but he wanted to go elsewhere.
The Massachusetts native got his career started when the Caps selected him 27th overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. He made his debut a year later, then made All-Rookie the following season after posting seven goals and 30 assists with a whopping 60 takeaways.
Carlson has yet to top that career high. He is the definition of reliable when it comes to health. He's played in at least 70 games in each of the past three seasons and has posted at least 50 points in those years as well.