The Anaheim Ducks are struggling to find their footing.
Their playoff drought has stretched to six seasons, with veterans underperforming. Now, they’re focusing on a new identity built around tough defensemen, aggressive forwards, and new head coach Greg Cronin. This summer’s moves reflected this shift, but expectations remain low for the 2024-25 season.
In June, the Ducks had a standout draft. They surprised everyone by picking Sennecke at third overall. General manager Pat Verbeek said Sennecke fits their vision perfectly: “He can play any type of game, a physical game, a skill game or a speed game.” Defenseman Stian Solberg also impressed with his strong performances for Norway’s teams. Both players may not have the highest ceilings but are projected to fit well into NHL roles.
Anaheim balanced their gritty first-rounders with skilled forwards Pettersson and Massé next. Pettersson is a pass-first centerman while Massé is known for his powerful shot and playmaking skills . These picks offer promising value despite the challenges of adjusting to pro pace.
Draft Picks:
1-3: F Beckett Sennecke (OHL)
1-23: D Stian Solberg (Norway)
2-35: F Lucas Pettersson (Sweden)
3-66: F Maxim Massé (QMJHL)
3-68: F Ethan Procyszyn (OHL)
3-79: D Tarin Smith (WHL)
4-100: Alexandre Blais (QMJHL)
6-182: F Austin Burnevik (USHL)
7-214: D Darels Uljanskis (Sweden)
Fans might think these draft choices show Anaheim’s clear vision for the future.
Trade-wise, Anaheim had a quiet summer. They acquired veterans Dumoulin and Fabbri cheaply. Dumoulin remains one of the league’s top defensive-defensemen while Fabbri has settled into a third-line role with consistent scoring.
Trade Acquisitions:
Brian Dumoulin from Seattle
Robby Fabbri from Detroit
In free agency, they made modest moves by re-signing Leason and Vaakanainen along with adding Harkins and Meyer. Harkins brings physicality from the fourth line while Meyer will likely start in AHL but could see some NHL action.
UFA Signings:
F Jansen Harkins – two-year deal ($1.6M)
F Carson Meyer – one-year deal ($775K)*
F Brett Leason – one-year deal ($1M)
D Urho Vaakanainen – one-year deal ($1.1M)*
* denotes two-way contract
Isac Lundestrom leads restricted free agents continuing with Anaheim but needs to prove himself after posting just 25 points in 107 games on his last contract.
RFA Re-Signings:
F Isac Lundestrom – one year ($1.5M)
F Pavol Regenda – one year ($775K)*
F Nikita Nesterenko – one year ($874K)*
D Jackson LaCombe – two years ($1.8M)*
* denotes two-way contract
Departures included several unsigned UFAs like Ben King and Connor Hvidston along with Max Jones heading to Boston on a one-year deal worth $1M.
Departures:
F Ben King – unsigned UFA
F Connor Hvidston – unsigned UFA
F Benoit-Olivier Groulx – New York Rangers
F Brayden Tracey – unsigned UFA
F Max Jones – Boston Bruins
…and more…
Anaheim enters August with $21.72M in cap space—the most in NHL per PuckPedia—allowing them flexibility for future contracts including Mason McTavish and Lukas Dostal next summer as well as Trevor Zegras in 2026.
Key questions linger about whether young prospects can step up this season alongside star players like Zegras who has shown point-per-game potential when healthy .
Who will be the starting goalie? Lukas Dostal outplayed John Gibson last season but Gibson’s hefty contract gives him an edge initially though fans will be watching closely if Dostal continues his hot streak from championing Team Czechia .
Should Zegras stay or go? Despite injuries hampering his recent performance he remains Anaheim’s most promising player making him both valuable yet misaligned from their current style leading many fans glued to trade rumors all season long .
What do you think about these changes?
