The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. 

Anaheim Ducks’ trade deadline moves

In: John Carlson, Jeffrey Viel, 2027 seventh-round pick
Out: Ryan Strome, conditional 2026 or 2027 first-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick, 2027 third-round pick
Grade: A-

The major play obviously is for Carlson, who is already on the short list of the franchise’s biggest deadline acquisitions. The 36-year-old has been one of the best defensemen in the NHL not to win the Norris Trophy during his 17-year career with the Washington Capitals. This was a add by Ducks GM Pat Verbeek to reward a group that’s played its way into possibly winning the Pacific Division and to upgrade its blue line for a potential first playoff appearance since 2018.

A first-round pick might seem pricey, but Verbeek said he feels his team is now able to start taking its shot at the Western Conference’s heavy hitters. If the Ducks are able to re-sign Carlson — which Verbeek said is a goal — that surrendered first-round pick won’t be as painful. While letting go of Strome was a pure salary dump, the extra $5 million in cap space this summer only add more flexibility when it comes to re-signing the Ducks’ army of restricted free agents. Star first-line forwards Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier top an important list. – Eric Stephens

What they’re saying

Verbeek: “First of all, you look at the player (Carlson) you’re putting into the group. Certainly, it’s a big add. It’s a big add of a hockey player. They don’t come along often. What we’ve been doing the last three years with adding assets, I thought this was the time where we could – I looked at giving this group another extra push. Another little aid and helping us make this push to where we want to go. Ultimately, getting in the playoffs so we can have a nice run, I looked at it like it’s worth it. It’s worth it to get this group experience. Give them a chance to make the playoffs and to do well in the playoffs. That’s kind of how I looked at it.”

What it means for the team’s lineup

The key is that Carlson can still play, as evident by his 46 points in 55 games, even though Jakob Chychrun had cut into his usual power-play time. He was still deployed as a No. 1 defenseman and he could slide onto the Ducks’ top defensive pairing with Jackson LaCombe or direct the second pair, probably with Olen Zellweger, if coach Joel Quenneville prefers to keep Jacob Trouba with LaCombe.

Carlson might need a little defensive sheltering from time to time but his offensive acumen and elite puck-moving skills from the right side could be a major asset, especially in triggering the Ducks’ speedy forwards and helping improve the cycle game when they’re in the offensive zone.

With Mikael Granlund set to return soon from injury and Frank Vatrano back from shoulder surgery, that will solidify their top nine up front. Troy Terry is further away but his return will essentially also be a huge internal deadline addition. Strome had already been on the outs because he didn’t fit with the Ducks’ preferred set of physical grinders on their fourth line.