I've really never been that impressed with Carlson to be honest. At least not enough to where I'd feel comfortable giving him the kind of contract he'll likely get in free agency.
Santini and Quenneville are turning into nice trade chips for a LHDMaybe, but Severson is making 4.16. Vatanen is making 4.75. Carlson or any RD that would be an improvement would be making 8+.
Devils might be able to absorb it for the next year or two, but that's an expensive right side. You also have Santini itching for a spot as well somewhere in there.
Well, Quenneville looking like garbage on his last call up wasn't great.