Capitals trade John Carlson to Ducks for two picks

The Ducks are sending a conditional first-round choose in both 2026 or 2027 and a 2027 third-round choose to full the deal.

If Anaheim fails to attain the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, it has the choice to ship both its 2026 or 2027 first-round choose to Washington. If it does qualify for the playoffs, Anaheim will switch its 2026 choice to the Capitals.

The Ducks presently sit second within the Pacific Division with a 34-24-3 report.

Carlson, 36, ranks second in Capitals franchise historical past in video games performed, third in assists, fifth in factors and second in plus/minus.

By 55 video games in 2025-26, Carlson has 10 targets, 36 assists and a plus-11 ranking for a Washington workforce that hasn’t been in a position to crack the playoff image and now could be selecting to go in a special path.

Carlson, who was made a first-round choose by the Capitals in 2008, has spent his whole 17-year NHL profession within the U.S. capital and helped the franchise to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018.

Carlson will now be a part of Anaheim within the remaining season of an eight-year, $64-million contract that he signed in 2018. His deal included a 10-team no-trade clause.

“Since becoming a member of our group 17 years in the past, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital daily,” stated Capitals senior vp and common supervisor Chris Patrick in an announcement.

“John’s willpower, management, persistence and ability helped our franchise attain new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of many best gamers in Capitals historical past. His contributions to our group and the Washington, D.C., group each on and off the ice have been immeasurable. We’re extremely grateful for all the things John has given to our workforce and want him and his household nothing however the perfect shifting ahead with Anaheim.”