Washington Capitals Trade Away Their Top Defenceman to Anaheim

 Ducks Acquire Cup-Winning, Veteran Defenceman In Trade

The Anaheim Ducks are bringing “leadership, character, a high-hockey IQ, and a presence to our lineup,” said general manager Pat Verbeek. John Carlson won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018. The 36-year-old has recorded 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points in 55 games. He was the 27th-overall draft pick by the Capitals in 2008 and has played for the Capitals since 2009. Carlson has scored 166 goals and 605 assists for 771 points in 1,143 career games with the Capitals. He was a Norris Trophy runner-up in 2019-20 and led all NHL defencemen in points in the 2017-18 and 2019-20 seasons.

Carlson bolsters the Ducks’ defensive core significantly. Carlson could slot on either of the top two pairings, sliding Radko Gudas to the third pairing. This will bring a lot more offensive firepower to the backend. Anaheim looks to be more dangerous following this trade.

Shocking Development for the Caps

This must be a tough day for the Caps locker room. Losing Nic Dowd and John Carlson in mere hours must leave the players gutted and shocked. The Capitals currently sit four points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With this trade, it is clear that general manager Chris Patrick is committed to selling off veterans and has a vision for the franchise’s future. Acquiring a first-round draft pick is the first step, as Washington’s contending window is likely gone by the wayside. The third-round pick in 2027 will also help in the future. Nonetheless, losing a player who has been a Cap for 17 years must be a shocking development.

Could there be more crazy news at this year’s NHL trade deadline? Stay tuned, as we will cover all the latest news here at Last Word On Hockey.