The Anaheim Geese haven’t advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2018, but make no mistake, they usually are not satisfied with merely participating within the festivities after their prolonged stay in obscurity. This franchise is trying to disrupt the natural order of things within the Western Conference. Their latest move hammers home that sentiment. Fourth-year general manager Pat Verbeek struck an enormous 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 may also send a 2027 third-rounder to Washington.
If the Geese fail to make the postseason, which seems quite unlikely in the intervening time, then they will keep this 12 months’s first and part with the 2027 pick as a substitute, per Friedman. Nonetheless, the team would still have the selection to transfer its 2026 selection to the Capitals if it so chooses. “To exercise this feature, Anaheim shall notify Washington of the choice exercise no later than immediately after the number of the draft pick preceding Anaheim’s first-round selection within the 2026 NHL Draft.”
The Geese (34-24-3, 71 points) don’t plan on facing such a dilemma. They’re currently fighting it out with the Vegas Golden Knights (29-19-14, 72 points) for first place within 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 acquire him, Anaheim clearly believes John Carlson could be an X-factor in the ultimate stretch of the campaign. His 36 assists rank first on each the Capitals and Geese, so he still has something left within the tank. The Geese are giving up a good chunk of their future assets for an upcoming free agent. If it was not obvious before, this group is brimming with confidence entering the ultimate 41 days of the regular season.
Will Pat Verbeek pull off one other blockbuster before Friday’s NHL trade deadline? Everyone should now know higher than to dismiss Anaheim.