In a major move, Anaheim acquired veteran defenseman John Carlson from Washington on Thursday evening, March 5, 2026.
John Carlson, 36, is an accomplished defenseman whose time with Washington comes to an end after the only NHL team he played for traded him to the Ducks.
Carlson played a key role in the Capitals’ Stanley Cup triumph in 2018 and is a former finalist for the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. He should add years of playoff experience to the young Ducks team that is on track to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Parting ways with Carlson means Washington has just two players left on the roster from its 2018 Stanley Cup-winning team: captain Alex Ovechkin and winger Tom Wilson.
John Carlson is set to become a free agent this offseason, he has recorded 10 goals and 46 points in 55 games with Washington this season.
Veteran defenseman Carlson led all Capitals skaters in ice time, averaging over 23 minutes per game.
Carlson is in the final months of his eight-year contract worth $8 million per year.
The Anaheim Ducks (34-24-3) have spent the last few years recruiting veterans to mentor a rising generation led by Leo Carlson, Lukas Dostal, Jackson LaCombe and Mason McTavish, among others.
The strategy has paid off and the Ducks are currently just one point behind Vegas in the race for the Pacific Division title and a return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
