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Top Ducks Offensive Defenseman Hits the Trade Market as Next Season Approaches

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 1:08 PM ET

Olen Zellweger is a promising defenseman of the future in Anaheim, but now it appears as though the team are preparing to trade the 21-year old.

The Anaheim Ducks have built one of the most talented and intriguing young cores in the entire NHL, and while all eyes are on the likes of Leo Carlsson and Jackson Lacombe, they're incredibly deep as they look to make a push towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

With the hiring of Joel Quenneville, the team have made it clear that they're looking to add veterans for a playoff push, with many expecting Mason McTavish to be moved for veteran help this off-season.

Now, it's been revealed that he may not be the only one, as recent reports from Bob Stauffer and others have noted that 21-year old defenseman Olen Zellweger is a player likely to be moved this off-season.

'I heard they're (The Anaheim Ducks) are going to trade Olen Zellweger.'

The former second-round pick got his first taste of a full season in 2024/25, tallying a very solid 7 goals and 20 points in limited action through 62 games played, and with so much offensive upside, many believe he could be a key piece of the Ducks future on the left side of their defense.

For some reason however, the Ducks appear ready to add more veterans by moving the likes of Zellweger and McTavish, and with Pat Verbeek already moving Trevor Zegras this summer, all signs point to another trade coming soon.

The Calgary native will have many suitors, including his hometown Flames and other teams looking to add young talents on the blue line, and while a trade isn't a guarantee, at this point in time, there aren't many young players on this team that appear to be safe.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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