2026-27 Anaheim Ducks Season Preview

The Anaheim Ducks enter the 2026–27 season with a younger, leaner roster after a busy offseason that saw them trade away some pieces, lock up their core, and add depth on a budget. The moves send mixed signals, as they were a playoff bubble team, and maybe hard-pressed to repeat. They’ll need good development from their youth if they want to make the playoffs.

Major Additions

A.J. Greer (LW) – Acquired from Florida in exchange for Radko Gudas, then signed to a four-year deal. Greer brings size, speed, and bottom-six scoring punch.
Nick Jensen (D) – Signed a two-year contract to provide steady, right-shot depth on defense at age 35.

Laurent Brossoit (G) – Brought in on a one-year deal as a veteran backup option to Lukas Dostal, offering experience and stability.

Depth signings – The Ducks added forwards Jeff Malott (three years), James Hamblin (two years), and Travis Mitchell (one year, two-way), plus defensemen Jett Woo (two years) and Corey Schueneman (two years) to fill out the AHL/NHL bubble.

Major Subtractions

John Carlson (D) – Traded to Carolina for a sixth-round pick and prospect Kyle Masters, then signed with Tampa Bay. His departure removes a veteran power-play presence and long-range shooting.
Mason McTavish (C) – Dealt to St. Louis for the 15th and 29th picks in the 2026 draft.

Radko Gudas (D) – Traded to Florida as part of the Greer deal, removing a physical, stay-at-home defenseman.

Jacob Trouba (D) – Left in free agency for San Jose, ending his short stint in Anaheim.

Olen Zellweger (D) – Traded to Buffalo for Anton Wahlberg and a second-round pick, further thinning the defensive depth.

Petr Mrazek (G) – Departed in free agency.

Core Retained

The Ducks did lock up their franchise cornerstone, re-signing Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million offer sheet matched by Philadelphia, and Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year deal. Cutter Gauthier remains unsigned but is expected to be a key piece once his contract is finalized.

Impact on 2026–27

Anaheim’s offseason moves strip out veteran depth and prioritize youth, draft picks, and cap flexibility. The team will lean heavily on Carlsson, Gauthier, and Mintyukov, with Greer and Jensen providing veteran support. Expect a tough season in the standings, but one focused on development and positioning for the future.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $94,926,605
Roster – 22/23
Projected cap space – $9,073,395
Deadline cap space – $41,910,444
RFA – Cutter Gauthier

Depth Chart