Natick-Native NHL Star Will Move To West Coast Team

NATICK, MA — A Natick-born major-league hockey player, John Carlson, is making a move of continental size, from the Washington Capitals – where he’s played for 17 years – to the Anaheim Ducks.

The star defenseman was traded for two future draft picks, the Capitals announced Thursday.

Carlson, 36, scored 10 goals and 36 assists in 55 games this season, and will be an unrestricted free agent at its end.

He is the Caps’ all-time leading defenseman in games played (1,143), goals (166), assists (605) and points (771). Tapped by the team in the first round of the 2008 NHL draft, Carlson helped Washington win its first Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

“John’s determination, leadership, persistence and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history,” said General Manager Chris Patrick in a news release.

In addition to Natick, Carlson lived as a child in Marlborough. He and his family eventually moved to New Jersey, but he planned a return to the Bay State after enrolling at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and agreeing to play hockey there. Instead, he entered the pros.