Ducks acquire John Carlson from Capitals

The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in either 2026 or 2027, as well as a 2027 third-round pick.

The trade marks the end of a historic 17-season era in D.C., as the Capitals’ all-time leading scorer among defensemen heads west to bolster Anaheim’s first playoff push since 2018.

In a press release announcing the trade, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said Carlson brings “leadership, character, a high hockey IQ and a presence” to the Ducks lineup.

“We are very excited to add a Stanley Cup winner to complement our group and make a big push down the stretch,” Verbeek added.

Despite his age, Carlson has shown no signs of slowing down, recording 46 points (10G, 36A) in 55 games this season. A 2018 Stanley Cup winner, Carlson’s 78 career playoff points will be invaluable for a young Ducks core.

Through 17 NHL seasons, Carlson, a native of Natick, Mass., has 166 goals and 605 assists for 771 points in 1,143 career regular-season games, all with the Capitals. He’s posted nine 10-plus goal seasons, seven 50-point campaigns and has reached the 70-point mark three times.