John Carlson signs two-year, $17 million contract with Tampa Bay Lightning [https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/06/27172421/USATSI_28624415-1-scaled.jpg?width=1200&height=630&fit=cover] John Carlson signs two-year, $17 million contract with Tampa Bay Lightning Carlson hit free agency and signed with the Lightning even after the Carolina Hurricanes traded for his rights earlier in the week. [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7402095/2026/07/01/john-carlson-tampa-bay-lightning-free-agency-2026-news/]
