The Anaheim Ducks have not advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2018, but make no mistake, they are not satisfied with merely participating in the festivities after their prolonged stay in obscurity. This franchise is looking to disrupt the natural order of things in the Western Conference. Their latest move hammers home that sentiment. Fourth-year general manager Pat Verbeek struck a big deal with the Washington Capitals for longtime defenseman John Carlson, per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.
Anaheim is trading a conditional first-round draft pick in either 2026 or 2027 and will also send a 2027 third-rounder to Washington.
If the Ducks fail to make the postseason, which seems quite unlikely at the moment, then they can keep this year's first and part with the 2027 pick instead, per Friedman. However, the team would still have the choice to transfer its 2026 selection to the Capitals if it so chooses. “To exercise this option, Anaheim shall notify Washington of the option exercise no later than immediately after the selection of the draft pick preceding Anaheim's first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft.”
The Ducks (34-24-3, 71 points) do not plan on facing such a dilemma. They are currently fighting it out with the Vegas Golden Knights (29-19-14, 72 points) for first place in the Pacific Division. The Carlson addition is designed to push the squad into title contention. The 36-year-old brings a ton of big-game experience with him out West, including a Stanley Cup ring he won with the Caps in 2018.
Considering what it gave up to obtain him, Anaheim clearly believes John Carlson can be an X-factor in the final stretch of the campaign. His 36 assists rank first on both the Capitals and Ducks, so he still has something left in the tank. The Ducks are giving up a decent chunk of their future assets for an upcoming free agent. If it was not obvious before, this group is brimming with confidence entering the final 41 days of the regular season.
Will Pat Verbeek pull off another blockbuster before Friday's NHL trade deadline? Everyone should now know better than to dismiss Anaheim.
