Carlson's Instant Impact: Ducks' Defenseman Earns NHL Honors

0:00It's March 31st. This is NHL News Today, powered by AI Everything Happening With Your Team. I'm Corey with The Story. John Carlson, the veteran defenseman traded to the Anaheim Ducks, is already making ways with his elite playmaking skills. This 36-year-old blueliner holds capitals records for defensemen in goals, assists, points, and gains played, plus solid playoff numbers with. 21 goals in 57 assists, over 137 games. His experience helped seal the deal for Anaheim, looking to bolster their back end. He's stepping in as a leader, serving as alternate captain before, and now pairing mainly with young gun Pavel Mintov to mentor the next wave-like. Olen Zellweger and Ian Moore. Alongside Vets Jacob Truba and Radco Goudus, Carlson adds that steady presence the Ducks defense needs as they push toward playoffs. Fans and the league are buzzing over his instant impact. 8 points in five games on a four-game shriek, since his debut assist on March 15th.

1:03He clicked big time with Mikel Grandlun, assisting on four of his last five goals, and even notched his first Ducks goal in a tight overtime loss, too. The Maple Leafs. This hot run earned him NHL third star of the week honors, marking the first time a Ducks defenseman hit 8 assists in his initial seven games. With 11 goals in 44 assists for 55 points this season, he's on pace for 62 total. As the Ducks gear up for their first playoffs in years against the Sharks on Wednesday, Carlson's smarts and scoring touch could carry them deep even. As his unrestricted free agency looms this summer.