March 6 (UPI) — The Anaheim Ducks acquired veteran defenseman John Carlson through a trade with the Washington Capitals, the NHL franchises announced Friday.
The Ducks agreed to send a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the draft to the Capitals in exchange for Carlson.
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“John Carlson brings leadership, character, a high hockey IQ and a presence to our lineup,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said in a news release.
“We are very excited to add a Stanley Cup winner to complement our group and make a big push down the stretch.”
Carlson, 36, totaled 10 goals and 36 assists through 55 appearances this season for the Capitals. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defender joined the franchise as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. Carlson registered 771 points, from 166 goals and 605 assists, over the first 17 years of his NHL career.
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The Washington Capitals signed defenseman John Carlson to an eight-year, $64 million contract in 2018. File Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI
The two-time All-Star, who won a Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2017-18, signed an eight-year, $64 million contract with the Capitals in 2018. He is set to become a free agent this off-season.
Carlson is the Capitals’ all-time leader in games played (1,143), goals, assists and points among defensemen.
Defenseman John Carlson (R) won a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2017-18. File Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI
“Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital every day,” Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said.
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“John’s determination, leadership, persistence and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history.
Defenseman John Carlson (74) spent 17 seasons with the Washington Capitals. File Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI
“His contributions to our organization and the Washington, D.C., community both on and off the ice have been immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful for everything John has given to our team and wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward with Anaheim.”
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The Ducks (34-24-3), who sit in second place in the Western Conference’s Pacific Division, will host the Montreal Canadiens (33-18-9) at 9 p.m. EST Friday in Anaheim, Calif.
Defenseman John Carlson (C) totaled 10 goals and 36 assists through 55 appearances this season for the Washington Capitals. File Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI
The Capitals (31-25-7), who traded forward Nic Dowd to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division. They will take on the Boston Bruins (34-22-5) at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in Boston.
Defenseman John Carlson appeared in 1,143 games for the Washington Capitals. File Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI