The Washington Capitals made a surprising move at the NHL trade deadline by trading away star defenseman John Carlson, who had represented the team for his entire 17-year NHL career, to the Anaheim Ducks.

The trade of the 36-year-old American, who held nearly all the defensive records in franchise history, reportedly shocked the entire Capitals locker room, according to insider sources.

The Fourth Period reporter David Pagnotta stated that Capitals players were “in shock” over the departure of the beloved alternate captain.

The team captain, Aleksandr Ovechkin, who spent his entire career as Carlson’s teammate, also confirmed the news to the media, describing the trade as “the saddest moment of his career.”

– I was in shock. My wife and I were like, “wow.” We were just in shock, Ovechkin told the media on Friday.

Ovechkin was also asked whether Carlson’s decision might affect his own decision about continuing his career after this season. Ovechkin’s response to the question was somewhat cryptic.

– I don’t know. I’m still here, so we’ll see. Let’s see where things are going. This is a tough spot, Ovechkin stated, referring to a possible, at least partial, rebuild in the Capitals.

Ovechkin’s five-year contract is set to expire at the end of this season. The Russian has previously hinted at his desire to end his playing career in the KHL with his original team, Dynamo Moscow.

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