John Carlson

The Anaheim Ducks traded for veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals at the 2026 NHL trade deadline, signaling a shift toward contention. General manager Pat Verbeek paid a conditional first-round pick in 2026 and a third-rounder in 2027, absorbing Carlson's full $8 million cap hit. The move addresses a key deficiency on the Ducks' blue line while preserving top prospects.