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Emotional Alex Ovechkin opens up about 'saddest day of his career' after John Carlson trade


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Jack Sutherland
March 6, 2026  (11:51)
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Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with defenseman John Carlson (74) after scoring a goal in the 2nd period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The goal is the 895th of Ovechkin's career, breaking the NHL all-time career goals record previously held by Wayne Gretzky.at UBS Arena.
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was understandably emotional after the trade of his friend and longtime teammate John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks, which was made official early this morning.

It was truly the end of an era for the Washington Capitals early this morning, as longtime defenseman John Carlson, who helped them win the first and only Stanley Cup in team history, was traded to the Anaheim Ducks.
Alex Ovechkin, his friend and longtime teammate, said that it was likely the saddest day of his NHL career and that the move was a shock to him.
I was in shock mode. Me and my wife were like, 'Wow.' ...Just in shock. - Alex Ovechkin
Understandably, Carlson's trade could impact Ovechkin's future with the Capitals, as he's a pending UFA at the end of the year.
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. - Alex Ovechkin
So far this year with the Capitals, Carlson had 46 points (10G, 36A) in 55 games.

John Carlson Was A Long-Tenured Member Of The Capitals

Carlson was taken by the Capitals with the 27th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and he's played his entire NHL career up to this point in a Capitals sweater.
He helped the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018, and was also one of the first players to celebrate with Ovechkin last April when he scored the 895th goal of his career to move past Wayne Gretzky.
He's in the last year of his contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $8 million. In 1,143 career games, Carlson has 771 points (166G, 605A).
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Emotional Alex Ovechkin opens up about 'saddest day of his career' after John Carlson trade

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