Carlson Coup Boosts Ducks as Kadri and Perry Reunite at Deadline
After the 2026 NHL trade deadline, the Anaheim Ducks emerged as the big winners by landing John Carlson to anchor their top pair and boost the power play, while Nazem Kadri rejoined the Colorado Avalanche and Corey Perry returned to the Tampa Bay Lightning; the Foligno brothers became Wild teammates for the first time. Early movers shipped fourth- and third-line centers and third-pair defensemen for substantial draft-pick returns, while some deals were underwhelming. The losers included the Carolina Hurricanes for inaction, the Washington Capitals trading Carlson and leaving Alex Ovechkin as one of the last links to the 2018 Cup team, and the New York Rangers for not moving Vincent Trocheck—a notable missed opportunity in a deadline driven by size and playoff pedigree.
