2025-26
Record: 43-33-6, 92 points, 3rd in Pacific Division
Playoffs: Lost to Vegas in Second Round
Key Losses
D – John Carlson (TB), D – Olen Zellweger (Trade w/ BUF), F – Mason McTavish (Trade w/ STL), D – Jacob Trouba (SJ), D – Radko Gudas (Trade w/ FLA), G – Petr Mrazek (Free Agency), F – Ross Johnston (STL)
Key Additions
F – A.J. Greer (Trade w/ FLA), D – Nick Jenson (Signed via FA)
2026-27 Preview
Can Verbeek Recover?
The summer of 2026 proved to be a challenging one for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek. The biggest storyline came when 21-year-old forward Leo Carlsson signed an offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers. Although Verbeek ultimately followed through on his promise to match any offer sheet Carlsson received, the situation exposed broader questions about Anaheim’s approach to roster management.
Verbeek’s handling of contract negotiations has increasingly come under scrutiny. By allowing key restricted free agents to reach the point where they become vulnerable to offer sheets or prolonged negotiations, the Ducks have left themselves exposed. Similar contract disputes in recent years contributed to Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale, and Mason McTavish eventually departing the organization after contentious negotiations and missed time during training camp.
Many NHL teams have shifted toward signing cornerstone restricted free agents well before they become eligible for offer sheets, often locking them into long-term contracts months—or even a year—in advance. Anaheim instead found itself negotiating not only with Carlsson but also with Cutter Gauthier this offseason, creating unnecessary uncertainty around two of the franchise’s young building blocks.
Adding to the concern were reports suggesting Carlsson had become dissatisfied with his situation in Anaheim, a factor that may have influenced his decision to sign Philadelphia’s offer sheet. Whether those reports accurately reflect broader issues within the organization or simply a contract dispute, they inevitably raise questions about the team’s culture and its relationship with its young core.
The Carlsson saga has become one of the defining moments of Verbeek’s tenure. While matching the offer sheet ensured the Ducks retained one of their franchise players, the episode also highlighted areas where the organization may need to improve. The 2026-27 season will go a long way toward determining whether Anaheim can move past the controversy and build on its young talent—or whether this offseason will be remembered as the beginning of mounting pressure on Verbeek’s leadership.
Looking for Continued Growth
Despite the offseason drama surrounding Leo Carlsson, the Ducks took a significant step forward during the 2025-26 season. Anaheim reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs and advanced to the second round after eliminating the two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers in the opening round. For a team emerging from a rebuild, it was an encouraging sign that the young core is beginning to mature.
The question now is whether the Ducks can build on that momentum.
As discussed earlier, Pat Verbeek’s roster decisions have left Anaheim with several questions entering the 2026-27 season. The Ducks parted ways with promising young players Mason McTavish and Olen Zellweger, while also losing veteran defensemen John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, and Radko Gudas—who was traded to the Florida Panthers before the start of free agency. Those departures have created significant holes, particularly on the blue line.
Anaheim’s offseason additions were comparatively modest, bringing in defenseman Nick Jensen and forward A.J. Greer. While both can contribute in defined roles, neither is expected to replace the overall impact or experience lost during the summer.
The Ducks unquestionably made meaningful progress last season, both in the regular season and during their playoff run. However, the 2026 offseason introduced new challenges that could make sustaining that success more difficult. Whether Anaheim can overcome those losses and return to the postseason will be one of the organization’s biggest storylines heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Chris Kreider — Leo Carlsson — Cutter Gauthier
Alex Killorn — Mikael Granlund — Beckett Sennecke
Frank Vatrano — Ryan Poehling — A.J. Greer
Jeff Malott — Tim Washe — Sam Colangelo
Defense
Jackson LaCombe — Drew Helleson
Pavel Mintyukov — Nick Jensen
Tyson Hinds — Ian Moore
Goalies
Lukas Dostal
Ville Husso
Scratches/LTIR
Troy Terry (LTIR – Hip)