Anaheim Acquires John Carlson in a Trade With Washington

By Kody Malstrom | Mar 13, 2026, 1:45pm

Nearing the end of the trade deadline the Anaheim Ducks made a splash, acquiring John Carlson in a trade with the Washington Capitals. In return, the Capitals receive a conditional 2026-2027 first round pick, as well a 2027 third round pick. If the Ducks miss the playoffs this season, they get to select which first round pick they send to Washington. If they make it, then their 2026 first round pick goes to the Capitals.

John Carlson Trade Details

Anaheim acquires Carlson
Washington receives a conditional 2026-2027 first round pick
Washington receives a 2027 third round pick

A stunning move when factoring in Carlson’s age and contract, a 36 year old veteran who is on the last year of his contract. Still, his ability to pressure the net from the blue line by averaging 0.17 Expected Goals and 2.11 Shots on Goal per game will give the Ducks more versatility on offense, needing every bit of it if they want to contend with the likes of Colorado and Dallas in the playoffs.

Ducks Push For Pacific?

With less than 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Ducks are in full control of their own destiny in regard to winning the Pacific division title, holding onto a one point lead for first in the division standings. Oddsmakers believe it’s Anaheim’s to lose, listing the Ducks as the favorite to win the division at +130 with Caesars Sportsbook. Their recent loss aside, the Ducks have been red hot over the past few weeks of play, winning seven out of their last ten.

Heading into the playoffs, oddsmakers have tempered their expectations of Anaheim being able to compete for the Western Conference Championship as the Ducks are currently , possessing the seventh highest odds in the field. A tough feat for the Ducks, especially with the Avalanche firing on all cylinders, ranking in the top-5 in Expected Goals For and Against in All Situations.

Speaking of Expected Goals Against, Carlson will do little to fix the Ducks back line, averaging 1.40 per game when on the ice. Their lack of defensive production has been a thorn in their side this year, residing near the bottom of the board in Expected Goals Against in All Situations with an average of 3.35 per game.

Washington Capitals Playoff Odds Post-Trade

While the trade seems like Washington is waving the white flag on their season, the Capitals are still well within range of squeaking into the playoffs. With odds to reach the playoffs at , they sit just five points back from Boston for the last spot in the wildcard standings. Losing Carlson will also hardly affect a defense who rivals the Ducks in the bottom half of the board in Expected Goals Against in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play.

Even if the Capitals were able to make the playoffs, they would be poised for an early exit, making this trade a great move for them as they will need to set their sights on the future with Alexander Ovechkin nearing the end of his career. While replicating his loss of production will be near impossible, softening the blow with a bright young prospect will help them accelerate their rebuild.

Kody Malstrom

Kody is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with eight years of experience in the industry. He covers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, and UFC. What started as a side gig has turned into a full time job, spending a majority of his time staring at odds screens and market movement. When away from the computer, Kody enjoys spending his time outdoors relaxing at the beach or golfing with friends.