The Florida Panthers are considering making the necessary moves to make the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After winning the Stanley Cup Finals the previous two seasons, Florida missed the playoffs due to excessive injuries. Now, the Panthers have time to rest, and they could be a destination for one of the NHL's best defensemen.
ESPN personality John Buccigross could see John Karlsson join the Panthers for the 2026-27 NHL season on Frankly Hockey. Karlsson 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, Karlsson is set to become a free agent, so what does Florida have to do to get him this summer?
What the Florida Panthers need to do to sign John Carlson
Karlsson is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent during the 2026 NHL offseason, and should be in demand. The 36-year-old defenseman is a top-5 free agent this offseason with $8 million in earnings. So, what will Carlson demand from Florida this summer?
Signing Karlsson to a two- or three-year contract worth $8-10 million per season would likely be necessary. According to Spotrac, the Panthers are projected to have approximately $15 million in cap space this offseason. This doesn't include Florida's need for two goaltenders, including Sergei Bobrovsky.
Carlson would be an excellent fit with the Panthers, giving the team reliable star power on defense. The 36-year-old defenseman will fuel Florida's offense in another run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Ultimately, Carlson fits the timeline for Florida, as the organization looks for another championship.
Although a return to Washington may not be a possibility, Karlsson could return to Anaheim if the team gets a chance to acquire him. The Ducks are a young and rising organization, but the Panthers may be a better fit over the next two to three years.
Carlson should make around $10 million, but it remains to be seen if Florida can add him to the payroll.
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