Carlson traded to Ducks by Capitals for 2 draft picks, including conditional 1st
John Carlson was traded to the Anaheim Ducks by the Washington Capitals on Thursday for a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
If the Ducks do not qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they will have the option to retain their first-round selection in the 2026 draft and instead send the Capitals their first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
“I think I can add a lot of value, both in my play and what I can do out there, but also what I think I can impart on them mentally, or through talking and chatting,” Carlson said. “I think there’s so much talent there. There’s so much fun to be had that it’s an exciting proposition.”
Carlson has 46 points (10 goals, 36 assists) in 55 games this season. He was also first on the Capitals in takeaways (35), second in time on ice (22:52) and fourth in blocks (84).
The 36-year-old defenseman is in the final season of an eight-year, $64 million contract he signed with Washington on June 24, 2018, and can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
“It’s obviously a sad day, probably the toughest day in my career, I’m talking about personal-wise,” Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said Friday. “It [stinks]. It’s sad.”
