Ovechkin calls Carlson trade 'toughest day in my career'

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is upset to see longtime teammate John Carlson get traded away.

"It's obviously a sad day," Ovechkin said during Friday's practice. "Probably the toughest day in my career. ... It's sad."

Carlson's 17-season tenure with the Capitals came to an abrupt end early Friday morning when the team traded the star defenseman to the Anaheim Ducks. The right-hander was shipped out for a conditional first-rounder and a third-round pick.

Carlson debuted with the Capitals during the 2009-10 season as Ovechkin, who was named captain that year, was in the midst of his fifth campaign in the NHL. Both players were instrumental in the team's 2017-18 Stanley Cup victory.

The 36-year-old ends his Capitals career with 166 goals and 605 assists over 1,143 games. He's the franchise leader in goals, assists, points, and games played by a defenseman.