Poor John Carlson was asleep when the shocking trade took place!

Capitals’ John Carlson has only played for one NHL team for his entire career, but that’s happen to change. The 36-year-old defenseman was traded to the Anaheim Ducls early Friday morning, with Washington receiving a conditional first-round pick in 2026 or 2027 along with a 2027 third-round pick in what might be the most surprising development ahead of the 3 p.m. ET Friday trade deadline.

If Anaheim fails to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, it has the option to send either its 2026 or 2027 first-round pick to Washington. If it does qualify for the playoffs, Anaheim will transfer its 2026 selection to the Capitals.

The Ducks currently sit second in the Pacific Division with a 34-24-3 record.

Almost no one saw this coming. Insider Pierre LeBrun revealed early on Friday morning that Carlson himself didn't know about the blockbuster move and was asleep when it took place.

"The trade happened so late that John Carlson was asleep and didn’t find out until this morning. Tough trade for the Caps obviously, but their play since the break forced them to be realistic (Dowd trade as well). Having said that, they tried on Connor Garland and will try to add a piece today if possible."

LeBrun, who admitted was asleep when the transaction unfolded, spoke earlier this week about Carlson being a sneaky name that could end up on the move without truly believing it.

“I was asked on The Athletic Hockey Show on Monday about a name from left field, someone no one is talking about, to keep an eye on before the deadline,” LeBrun writes. “I said John Carlson because that would be a surprising trade. I think it’s unlikely Carlson gets dealt because Washington wants to remain in the race and doesn’t want to take away from the team. But with Carlson a pending UFA, it won’t stop teams from calling on him, and I believe some have. I think it would have to be a really good offer to get Washington’s attention, though.”

This is a tough blow for the Capitals, who however have to get the future ready for when captain Alex Ovechkin hangs up the skates. Those picks will surely help.

It's a tough blow for Carlson as well, a rude awakening let's just say...

Through 55 games in 2025-26, Carlson has 10 goals, 36 assists and a plus-11 rating. After 17 seasons and 1,143 games, Carlson holds pretty much every Capitals defense record.

He now joins Anaheim in the final season of an eight-year, $64-million contract that he signed in 2018. His deal included a 10-team no-trade clause.

The end of an era that happened at the beginning of Deadline Day…