Capitals Trade Carlson to Ducks for Conditional First-Round Pick and 2027 Third

Washington Capitals traded star defenseman John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional first-round pick (2026 or 2027) and a 2027 third-round selection, with no cap hit retained. Carlson, 36, is the Capitals’ all-time leader among defensemen in games, goals, assists and points and helped the team win the 2018 Stanley Cup; his departure marks the end of an era, leaving only Ovechkin and Wilson from that championship roster. The conditional first-round pick outcome depends on whether Anaheim makes the 2026 playoffs, with Washington set to receive a 2026 pick if they do, or an option to take Anaheim’s 2027 first-rounder otherwise.