Get to Know Ducks’ New Defenseman Nick Jensen

As part of a busy opening to the 2026 NHL free agency period, the Anaheim Ducks signed veteran defenseman Nick Jensen to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.25 million. The 35-year-old will bring a much-needed level of experience to a young defensive core. Let’s take a look at Jensen’s career and where he will fit in on the Ducks.

Amateur Career

Jensen made a name for himself in the hockey world early, joining the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League (USHL) in 2008-09. He had 22 points in 52 games as a rookie and one assist in seven playoff games. The following season, he had 27 points in 53 games and was named a USHL All-Star. In the playoffs, he had eight points in 12 games and was a key to the team’s Clark Cup championship.

He played collegiate hockey with St. Cloud State from 2010 to 2013. In his rookie season, he had 23 points in 38 games. He stood out in his sophomore season as the team’s third-leading scorer with 32 points in 39 games. In his final season in St. Cloud, he served as an alternate captain and totaled 31 points in 41 games. That season, he was named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year and was chosen for the NCAA West First All-American Team.

Professional Career

The Detroit Red Wings selected Jensen in the fifth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He made his professional debut with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL) in the 2013-14 season. He had nine points in 45 games, as well as one assist in 10 playoff games. He played two more full seasons with the Griffins, amassing 46 points in 150 games.

The following season, he split time between the Griffins and the Red Wings, playing 27 and 49 games, respectively. He had six points with the Griffins and 13 with the Red Wings. He made Detroit’s roster out of training camp in 2017-18 and played his first full NHL season, accumulating 15 points, all assists.

Partway through the 2018-19 season, Jensen was traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Madison Bowey and a second-round draft pick. He signed a four-year contract with the team and finished out the season with five points in 20 games. He spent five more seasons as a staple of Washington’s blue line.