By: Chris Nosek

Pat Verbeek has been the teams General Manager for three seasons. Last year did not produce the steps forward anyone would have liked which has brought the organization to a critical crossroads. Over the past few seasons, the organization has compiled several extremely talented players with about 14-15 of the whom are 25 years of age or younger. Mason McTavish is the highest profile player who remains unsigned. However, with roughly $20.5 million in cap space remaining, it simply comes down to the right dollar amount.

Biggest Departure: John Gibson, traded to Detroit

Many will immediate jump to Trevor Zegras, and he comes in a very close second. Due to injuries, the lineup has been without Zegras more than Gibson for the past few seasons so we know they can play without him. Lukas Dostal clearly took over the starting job in the crease last season. Ilya Samsonov, Kevin Lankinen, Thatcher Demko, Logan Thompson, and Jeremy Swayman all had rough seasons after years which they seemed to take over the crease from someone else. Aside from needing to avoid a down season, Dostal will also have to adjust to sharing the room with a different veteran netminder. Whether it ends up being Ville Husso or Petr Mrazek behind Dostal, losing the continuity of Gibson in the room with him may have a catestrophic affect on Dostal this season – we will have to see.

Biggest Acquisition: Chris Kreider, acquired via trade from New York Rangers

The Rangers had a season worth forgetting last year. Everyone had a down year and Chris Kreider is no exception to that. His 22 goals and only 30 points were his lowest since the COVID shortened season in 2020-21. He is only 33 years old and has plenty of hockey left to his game. His desire to play for Joel Quinnville means he will come in with a great attitude and reinvigerated despite how last season went in New York and he will be with a top level center, either Mason McTavish or Leo Carlsson. His veteran presence and scoring ability should really help the Ducks as they push to get into the playoff race again.

*Best Contract: Mikael Granlund, signed July 1, 2025

Granlund is coming off back-to-back 60 plus point seasons and his first trip to the playoffs since the 2021-22 season when he was still with the Nashville Predators. The $7 million cap hit isn’t the detriment it would be for other teams as it helped the Ducks surpass the salary cap floor. The duration of only 3 years gives the 33-year-old a chance to shine in his prime. The physicality and scoring touch he brings means he will be able to help any line he is put on. If the Ducks aren’t able to reach their playoff goals, his contract and talent make him an extremely tradable player.

• Lukas Dostal – Signed July 17, 2025 to a 5 year contract carrying an average annual value of $6.5 million

Lukas Dostal outright stole the crease last season from John Gibson even though they both had great seasons. Having a top goaltender, who is only 25-years-old, and is signed for the next 5 seasons is a General Managers dream. It is clear that if Dostal is able to consistantly perform to the level he did last season, his contract will be a massive steal. I fully expect him to get there, but until we see how he performs without John Gibson, we can’t annoint him with it just yet.

Worst Contract: Alex Killorn, signed July 1, 2023

Overall Alex Killorn’s contract isn’t overly terrible – it helps the team stay above the salary cap floor. Since signing in Anaheim, Killorn has posted back-to-back seasons with less than 40 points yet he has been higher in the lineup with more playing time. His lack of production and the cap hit of $.625 million makes Killorn have the worst contract on the team. Hopefully, some of the new players brought in will cause him get bumped lower into the lineup into a position he’s better suited to play. His playoff experience can be a huge asset for the team, so let’s see if he can sort things out this season.

Notes:

Despite the (much deserved) blowback from the Joel Quinnville signing, the Ducks appear to be heading in the right direction. Mason McTavish remains the teams only, major, unsigned player and they have plenty of cap space to work with for his contract. Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Sam Colangelo, Mason McTavish, Drew Helleson, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, and Lukas Dostal are all 25-years-old or younger and show they will be a solid core to build around going forward. They are finally surrounded by solid playoff experience and veteran players. Watching this team will be fun and interesting – they SHOULD be able to compete for the playoffs this season. If Verbeek isn’t careful with his next few moves, this team could be stuck in a perpetual rebuild.