Capitals Trade Veteran Defenseman John Carlson to Anaheim Ducks

In a major trade deadline move, the Washington Capitals traded 17-year veteran John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional 2026/2027 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick. Carlson, 36, concludes his Capitals tenure as the franchise leader in games played, goals, and points among defensemen. Currently sidelined with a lower-body injury, he joins the Ducks to provide veteran leadership and offensive depth as they push for their first playoff appearance since 2017.