Alex Ovechkin Hit Hard by John Carlson Trade, Calls It ‘Saddest Day of Career’

The Washington Capitals made one of the more shocking trades of the deadline early on Friday morning, sending star defenseman John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick.

With Carlson a pending UFA and the Capitals’ playoff odds down to just 21.3% per MoneyPuck, GM Chris Patrick decided to move the expiring contract for draft capital as part of the team’s ongoing retool. The trade came as a shock to the hockey world, to Carlson himself, and especially to longtime teammate Alex Ovechkin.

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After spending parts of 17 extremely successful seasons together in Washington — including winning a Stanley Cup in 2017-18 — Ovechkin spoke about the emotional move on Friday, calling it the saddest day of his career.

Ovechkin said:

“I was in shock mode. Me and my wife were like, ‘Wow.’ …Just in shock,”

He was then asked how it might impact his future.

“I don’t know. I’m still here so we’ll see. We’ll see what’s going to happen. It’s a hard one,”

The 40-year-old Ovechkin is, of course, notably a pending UFA in the fifth and final year of the five-year, $47.5 million extension signed with the Capitals back in 2021. He’s tallied 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists) in 63 games played this season.

We still don’t know what the future holds for Ovechkin. It’s very possible that this could be his final season in the NHL, though it would be surprising for such an icon to go out on a quiet note. He’s deserving of receptions at all 32 arenas and a massive send-off at the end of the year in acknowledgment of his legendary career.

That said, perhaps he doesn’t want all of the attention on him for an entire season. Either way, fans should cherish what could be the final 19 NHL games for the Great 8.

Next: Ducks Acquire John Carlson from Capitals in Stunner Trade