John Carlson (Caps Outsider)
After trading center Nic Dowd yesterday, the Washington Capitals traded longtime defenseman John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks. In return, the Caps will get a conditional pick.
Carlson, 36, holds several Caps records for a defenseman, including games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605) and points (771). This year, he has 46 points in 55 games and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Most importantly, he helped lead the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018. Carlson was originally drafted by Washington in the first round (27th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft.
Should Anaheim qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim will transfer its 2026 first-round pick to Washington. If Anaheim fails to qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anaheim has the option to retain its 2026 first-round pick and transfer its 2027 first-round pick to Washington instead.
We here at Caps Outsider have been covering Carlson since his first game with the Caps, and will miss him.