The Montreal Canadiens are going to look for blueline help this summer, and while John Carlson would be a great addition, it is unlikely to happen after recent reporting by The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. The NHL insider believes that there is a two-year offer with an AAV of $10 million waiting for him in free agency, and if that's the case, the Canadiens are not the team with their cap space.
Carlson had an incredible career with the Washington Capitals that went for 17 seasons before he was traded this past season to the Anaheim Ducks. Even at 36 years old, Carlson is still playing great hockey after averaging over 23 minutes of ice time and recording 60 points between the two teams.
According to LeBrun, Carlson has informed the Ducks that he will not be re-signing as he wants to return to the East. The Canadiens certainly check that box and would give him a chance to chase a Stanley Cup. The right-handed defenseman could give the Canadiens one of the best offensive defenseman duos if he were paired with Lane Hutson.
As much as there is to like about a move like this and why it would make sense for Montreal, they don't have the cap space to offer Carlson a contract with an average salary of $10 million. According to Puckpedia, the Canadiens only have $10.98 million in cap space, and while they could create some with moves like trading Brendan Gallagher, it is too much of their cap space to dedicate to just one player with other needs.
Could John Carlson be heading to one of Montreal Canadiens' division rival?
While the Canadiens might not be able to add Carlson in free agency, Pierre LeBrun mentions one team that could, and that could directly impact Montreal. He mentions Carlson as a potential replacement for Darren Raddysh on the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Raddysh is expected to be one of the top defensemen available in free agency and will be targeted by several teams around the league. On the surface, it makes perfect sense for Carlson and the Lightning have about two million more available in cap space if they want to offer that $10 million AAV.
The Canadiens are going to need to add to their blueline at some point but John Carlson doesn't seem to be the answer with the contract he is expected to sign.
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