Ducks Bring Veteran Defenseman John Carlson on Board from the Capitals
The Anaheim Ducks strengthened their defensive lineup on Thursday night, acquiring veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals in a trade aimed at ending their long playoff drought.
In return, the Ducks will send a conditional first-round pick—either in the 2026 or 2027 draft—and a third-round pick in 2027 to Washington. Carlson, who played a pivotal role in the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup win and is a former Norris Trophy finalist, is expected to provide a seasoned presence to a young Ducks roster that is looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
“John Carlson brings leadership, character, a high hockey IQ, and a presence to our lineup,” said Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek in a statement. “We are very excited to add a Stanley Cup winner to complement our group and make a big push down the stretch.”
Carlson, set to become a free agent this offseason, has recorded 10 goals and 46 points in 55 games this season. He leads all Capitals skaters in ice time, averaging over 23 minutes per game. However, he has not played since February 5 due to a lower-body injury. Although his return date to the ice remains uncertain, he had been practicing with the Capitals prior to the trade. Once he joins the Ducks, he will form a formidable right-side defensive trio alongside Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas.
Over an impressive 17-season career entirely with Washington, Carlson has played 1,143 games, accumulating 771 points (166 goals and 605 assists), placing him 24th all-time among NHL defensemen. His playoff experience includes 78 points in 137 games. A two-time All-Star, Carlson has also represented the U.S. at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, famously scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Junior Championship.
Currently, the Ducks stand second in the Pacific Division and have secured victories in 13 of their last 16 games. They are scheduled to face the Montreal Canadiens on Friday and the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, followed by a four-game Canadian road trip.
The Carlson trade was finalized approximately 14 hours before the NHL trade deadline, set for noon PST on Friday.
