The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman John Carlson to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $8.5 million, the team announced Wednesday.Carlson has played in 1,159 career NHL games with the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks, recording 170 goals and 785 points. Wake up, we have some news We've signed defenseman John Carlson to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $8.5 million. https://t.co/oOIXsHSqRQ pic.twitter.com/Sw4pNfkrUF Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 2, 2026Carlson has spent most of his career with the Capitals, where he is the franchises all-time leader among defensemen for games played, goals, assists, and points.The 36-year-old was drafted by the Capitals in the 2008 NHL draft and traded to the Ducks in March of this year.RELATED COVERAGE: Lightning reshape roster: Trade Nick Paul to Maple Leafs and add free agents on first day of free agency ...read more read less