The Washington Capitals announced they've traded franchise icon John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick in a shocking deal.
Washington will receive Anaheim's 2026 first-round pick if the Ducks make the playoffs. If Anaheim misses the playoffs, the Ducks will have the option to send their first-round pick in 2027 instead.
Carlson had spent his entire 17-year NHL career in D.C., helping the Capitals win a Stanley Cup in 2018. He's arguably the greatest defenseman in club history. His 771 points are the most all-time among Capitals blue-liners and fifth among all skaters.
However, the 36-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent, and the Capitals are four points out of a playoff spot. The Ducks, meanwhile, currently occupy second place in the Pacific Division and are looking to snap a seven-year playoff drought.
The Ducks were not on Carlson's 10-team no-trade list, reports insider Frank Seravalli. Additionally, there's reportedly no contract extension in the works.
Carlson has remained extremely productive into his mid-30s, as he's well on his way to his third straight season of at least 50 points. He's tallied 46 points in 55 games, 11th among all NHL defensemen.
He provides a substantial upgrade to the right side of Anaheim's blue line, which also features veterans Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas. Carlson could team up with young stalwart Jackson LaCombe to build a formidable top defense pair. The Ducks' blue line could look as follows:
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Jackson LaCombe | John Carlson |
| Pavel Mintyukov | Jacob Trouba |
| Olen Zellweger | Radko Gudas |
One of the better power-play quarterbacks of his generation, Carlson also projects to help a Ducks power play that ranks 23rd in the NHL this season. Since entering the league in 2009-10, the only defensemen to rack up more points with the man advantage are Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, Drew Doughty, Roman Josi, and Brent Burns.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder possesses a booming shot and excellent vision.
Carlson's offensive underlying numbers remain strong, as he's garnered 8.3 offensive goals above replacement, the ninth-most among blue-liners this season, per Evolving-Hockey. He's less effective in his own end, though, as he's produced minus-3.1 defensive goals above replacement.
The Capitals drafted Carlson 27th overall in 2008. He also ranks second on the franchise leaderboard in games played (1,143), third in assists (605), and second in plus/minus (114).
Carlson's departure could signal the end of an era in Washington. The only players remaining on the roster from the 2018 Cup-winning squad are Tom Wilson and captain Alex Ovechkin, whose NHL future is up in the air with the final year of his contract nearing its end.
