The veteran defenceman does not intend to re-sign with the Anaheim Ducks, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported on Tuesday, per Carlson’s agent Rick Curran.
“(Carlson’s) preference is to return and play in the East, closer to family and the familiarity with it,” Curran told LeBrun.
Curran said he discussed an extension with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, but it didn’t work out.
Carlson, 36, played 16 regular-season games with the Ducks after a surprising deadline deal by the Washington Capitals.
He potted four goals and 14 points before notching six assists in 12 post-season contests, helping the Ducks dispatch the two-time Western Conference-champion Edmonton Oilers in Round 1.
The Natick, Mass., native has played 1,159 NHL games with the Capitals and Ducks, tallying 170 goals and 785 points. He won a Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018.