Anaheim Ducks Acquire John Carlson in Trade with Capitals The Anaheim Ducks have finalized a trade with the Washington Capitals, acquiring defenceman John Carlson, the team announced on Friday. The deal sees the Capitals receive a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft, along with a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, in exchange for Carlson. Carlson, 36, has contributed 10 goals and 46 points in 55 games with the Capitals this season, while averaging 22:52 of ice time per game. The 6-foot-3, right-shot defenceman is entering the final season of an eight-year, $64 million contract that carries a cap hit of $8 million. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the conclusion of the current season. Drafted 27th overall by the Capitals in 2008, Carlson has spent his entire 17-season career with Washington. Over his tenure, he has accumulated 166 goals and 771 points in 1,143 career games. A key figure in the Capitals’ first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history in 2018, Carlson recorded five goals and 20 points in 24 playoff games during that run. The Natick, Mass. native has also represented the United States internationally, finishing fourth at the 2014 Winter Olympics and seventh at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. His contributions on the global stage highlight his status as a versatile and experienced player. The trade marks a significant move for the Ducks, adding a veteran defenseman with a proven track record of production and leadership. Carlson’s ability to impact games both offensively and defensively is expected to bolster the Ducks’ defense as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.#nhl_draft #anaheim_ducks #washington_capitals #john_carlson #natick_mass
