John Carlson Makes Anaheim Ducks Debut: ‘This Feels More Normal’
John Carlson is officially a member of the Anaheim Ducks, marking a significant moment in his career. The 36-year-old defenseman joined his new teammates on the ice for the first time on Saturday following his trade from the Washington Capitals, which occurred early Friday morning.
John Carlson’s Transition to Anaheim Ducks
On the ice, Carlson adopted the Ducks’ colors of orange, black, and white. However, he is still recovering from a lower-body injury and is not yet ready to compete. Despite this setback, Carlson expressed his excitement about joining the Ducks.
“It’s great. Yesterday was a little crazy. This part of it feels a lot more normal,” he stated. Carlson is adjusting to his new environment and getting to know both his teammates and coaches.
Upcoming Debut Against the Winnipeg Jets
Though he will not play against the St. Louis Blues, Carlson is expected to make his debut in an upcoming road game against the Winnipeg Jets. This transition follows an impressive season with the Capitals, where he played 55 games and achieved 46 points, including 10 goals and 36 assists.
Fan Support at Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena
- The Ducks are currently leading the NHL Pacific Division with 73 points.
- They are closely followed by the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers.
- Fans welcomed Carlson at a recent season-ticket holder event at Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena.
Reflecting on his new team, Carlson noted the potential in the squad, especially given the youth of players like Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Beckett Sennecke, who were toddlers when he joined the NHL in 2008. “I hope that they’ll be learning from me,” he remarked, showcasing his willingness to contribute both on and off the ice.
Contract Situation
Carlson is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July. As he enters the final season of his eight-year, $64 million contract with the Capitals, discussions regarding a possible extension with the Ducks have not yet begun.
This marks an exciting new chapter in John Carlson’s career as he looks to help the Anaheim Ducks on their path to the postseason for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
