Anaheim Ducks
· 2026-07-03
The Anaheim Ducks are facing challenges after the start of NHL free agency, with the team having about $35.2 million in cap space but failing to make significant upgrades to their squad.
The Ducks lost key players like Mason McTavish, John Carlson, and Jacob Trouba, which has raised concerns about their ability to compete in the upcoming season.
The team's current standing is 7th in the Western Conference, with a 43-33 record and on a W1 streak as of July 3, 2026.
The departure of experienced players like Radko Gudas and the lack of significant additions have left the team with more questions than answers, despite having a young core with potential.
GM Pat Verbeek still needs to re-sign No. 1 center Leo Carlsson and top right winger Cutter Gauthier, which will require careful management of the team's cap space.
The Ducks may be waiting for a superstar to become available to spend their cap space on, but in the interim, they need to find ways to support their young core and address their in-season needs.
The team's recent moves, including the addition of Nick Jensen and Laurent Brossoit, have been underwhelming, and more needs to be done to help the Ducks compete in the Pacific Division.
And with the loss of key players, the Ducks will need to rely on their young players to step up and fill the gaps, which could be a challenge in the upcoming season.
But the team's current cap space and young core provide a foundation for future success, and with the right moves, the Ducks could still have a strong season.
The Ducks' fans will be watching closely to see how the team navigates the rest of the off-season and prepares for the 2026-27 season.