The Anaheim Ducks are set to open their 2026-27 season on Friday, October 2, with a road game against Vegas. The team enters the new season following a 2025-26 campaign that saw them achieve a 43-33-6 record and advance to the second round of the playoffs, marking the end of a seven-year playoff drought.
However, the Ducks' summer has been described as rough, potentially eroding much of the momentum gained from their exciting run last spring. The team lost four NHL defensemen, and also saw the departure of center Mason McTavish, forward Chris Kreider, and other defensemen including Jacob Trouba, John Carlson, Radko Gudas, and Olen Zellweger, as well as forward Jeffrey Viel. In terms of additions, the Ducks brought in forward A.J. Greer and defensemen Nick Jensen and Travis Mitchell.
General Manager Pat Verbeek's handling of restricted free agency for Leo Carlsson and Pavel Mintyukov reportedly forced the team to sign them to deals "well above their perceived market value." Cutter Gauthier also received a significant raise. These lavish outlays, according to the report, essentially forced Anaheim to lose 22-goal scorer Chris Kreider for no return. The general manager also did not add any significant talent in free agency, acquiring only depth forward Greer on what was described as a generous four-year deal. This leaves the question of whether the Ducks will take a step back with a less talented roster, or if their young cornerstones will progress and overcome these issues.
On the offensive side, the Ducks are again considered an exciting team after spending a half-decade among the NHL's worst. Leo Carlsson, at 21 years old, is already performing like a franchise center. Cutter Gauthier shows potential to be the team's best goal-scorer since Teemu Selanne retired in 2014. Veteran forwards, including Alex Killorn and new captain Mikael Granlund, have consistently produced for Anaheim, which often scored its way out of trouble last season.
The defensive outlook is less promising. The Ducks' defense is significantly weaker on paper following the summer departures. Last season, the team allowed 288 goals, ranking fourth-most in the league, even with a down year from goaltender Lukas Dostal, who posted a 30-20-4 record with a 3.10 GAA and a .888 save percentage. Goalies Ville Husso (10-8-2, 3.25, .884) and Laurent Brossoit (0-1-0, 6.09, .783) also featured last season. Coach Joel Quenneville, now in his second season with the Ducks, is reported to "really must work on an overall team commitment to defense," or the team could face difficulties.
Beyond the continued development of Carlsson and Gauthier, who represent a feel-good story, the defensive departures have placed a spotlight on Tristan Luneau. The 22-year-old junior star, who played only one NHL game last season and 14 over the past three years, is expected to become a regular for the Ducks. Other candidates vying for remaining blue line jobs include Ian Moore, who played extensively at forward last year, along with Tyson Hinds and the new additions, Jensen and Mitchell.
