Carlson calls joining Lightning in free agency 'slam dunk'

Veteran defenseman John Carlson, 36, signed a two-year, $17 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, his first experience with unrestricted free agency after 17 seasons with the Washington Capitals. The deal was finalized just before midnight ET on the first day of free agency, following negotiations that lasted throughout the day between Carlson, Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, and coach Jon Cooper. Carlson described the decision to join Tampa Bay as a 'slam dunk' and will enter his 18th NHL season with the Eastern Conference club.