Anaheim Ducks Face Defense Overhaul as Jacob Trouba Hits Market

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba is set to hit the market, according to Elliotte Friedman, after a strong bounce-back season with the team. Trouba, 32, averaged 22:50 TOI in 81 games, leading the team with 149 blocked shots and recording 10 goals and 35 points. His performance was a key factor in the Ducks ending a seven-year playoff drought in 2025-26. But despite his impressive season, Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic believes Trouba is not worth the big-money contract he is expected to receive, citing concerns about his ability to live up to the deal. Luszczyszyn forecasts a four-year deal at $6.4 million per season, but thinks Trouba is worth only half of that. And with the Ducks facing a significant overhaul of their defense, including the potential loss of John Carlson and captain Radko Gudas, the team's lineup is likely to look very different next season. Trouba's expected departure will leave a significant hole in the Ducks' defense, and it remains to be seen how the team will fill it. The Ducks' defense was outscored 70-60 with Trouba on the ice, including 37-28 in high-danger situations, which may have contributed to Luszczyszyn's concerns about his value. But Trouba's strong leadership skills and on-ice contributions make him a worthy add for teams looking to bolster their defense. So the question is, what's next for the Ducks and their defense, and how will they adapt to the loss of Trouba and potentially other key players.