Harry Lichtman
In case you were asleep, the Washington Capitals made a huge move overnight. The team traded veteran defenseman and franchise legend John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks.
In return, the Capitals received a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft. The team also got a 2027 third-round pick.
Carlson, 36, spent all 17 seasons of his NHL career with the Capitals. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605), and points (771) among defensemen.
This season, Carlson recorded 46 points (10 goals, 36 assists) in 55 games with the Capitals. The Natick, Massachusetts native will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Most notably, Carlson helped lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup title in 2018. He led all defensemen in playoff scoring with 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) in 24 games played.
Carlson was originally selected by the Capitals in the first round (27th overall) in the 2008 NHL Draft.
“Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital every day,” said general manager Chris Patrick. “John’s determination, leadership, persistence, and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history.”
Carlson is now the second big move the Capitals made ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline. The team already sent Nic Dowd to Vegas on Thursday in exchange for picks and goaltending prospect Jesper Vikman.
This Carlson news could also be a sign of 40-year-old Alex Ovechkin retiring after the 2025-26 season. As you can tell, the Capitals are looking towards developing the younger players.
The Capitals also own 22 total picks in the next three drafts, including four first-round selections and nine picks in the first three rounds.
