Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:21pm

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John Carlson will make his Anaheim Ducks debut this weekend after being acquired in a trade with the Washington Capitals. Cole Caufield is expected to return to the Montreal Canadiens lineup on Saturday, while Nick Jensen is unlikely to play for the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

Why it matters

Carlson’s debut with the Ducks is highly anticipated as he is a veteran defenseman who can provide a boost to the team’s blue line. Caufield’s return is also significant for the Canadiens, as he has been a key offensive contributor this season. The Senators will miss Jensen’s presence on the back end as they take on the Ducks.

The details

Carlson, 36, was acquired by the Ducks in a trade with the Capitals on March 5. He has not played since Feb. 5 due to a lower-body injury but is expected to make his debut for Anaheim either on Saturday against the Senators or Sunday against the Canadiens. Caufield practiced on Friday and is expected to play for the Canadiens against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday after missing the team’s previous game due to illness. Jensen did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play for the Senators against the Ducks on Saturday due to a lower-body injury.

Carlson has not played since Feb. 5 with the Capitals.Carlson will make his Ducks debut this weekend.Caufield is expected to play for the Canadiens on Saturday.Jensen is not expected to play for the Senators on Saturday.
The players

John Carlson

A 36-year-old defenseman who was recently acquired by the Anaheim Ducks in a trade with the Washington Capitals.

Cole Caufield

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who has 64 points (37 goals, 27 assists) in 63 games this season.

Nick Jensen

A defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who has 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) in 61 games this season.

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The takeaway

The NHL trade deadline has brought some significant roster changes, with the Ducks acquiring a veteran defenseman in Carlson and the Canadiens and Senators dealing with key injuries. These moves and lineup changes will impact the playoff races in the final stretch of the regular season.