Capitals trade John Carlson to Ducks for two picks

The Ducks are sending a conditional first-round pick in either 2026 or 2027 and a 2027 third-round pick to complete the deal.

The 36-year-old blue-liner ranks second in Capitals franchise history in games played, third in assists, fifth in points and second in plus/minus.

Through 55 games in 2025-26, Carlson has 10 goals, 36 assists and a plus-11 rating for a Washington team that hasn’t been able to crack the playoff picture and now is choosing to go in a different direction.

Carlson, who was made a first-round pick by the Capitals in 2008, has spent his entire 17-year NHL career in the U.S. capital and helped the franchise to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018.

Carlson will now join Anaheim in the final season of an eight-year, $64-million contract that he signed in 2018. His deal included a 10-team no-trade clause.

“Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital every day,” said Capitals senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick in a statement.

“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. 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.”