Incoming general manager Pat Verbeek may not exude the intimidating presence of his former teammate Steve Yzerman, but the fiery forward turned executive is poised to command attention this summer as the Anaheim Ducks prepare for significant offseason maneuvers.
Blessed with an abundance of promising players under the age of 25, many of whom are under cost-controlled contracts, the Ducks possess ample cap flexibility. Yet, despite their potential, a sense of impatience lingers after six consecutive postseasons as spectators. As Frank Vatrano, coming off a career-high 37 goals, asserts: “We want to win now.”
Reinforcements are crucial for 2024-25. The Ducks’ roster, already thin at the start of the year, was further depleted by injuries and trades. The versatility and leadership of Adam Henrique, a pending free agent, will be sorely missed.
With significant cap space, the projected increase in the salary cap, and the retirement of Jakob Silfverberg, the Ducks have both roster slots and financial resources to make substantial additions. Verbeek has expressed interest in acquiring a top-six winger and a top-four defenseman, both ideally right-handed shots. He also aims to enhance the speed, grit, and overall quality of the bottom-six forward group.
Two years after the retirement of franchise icon Ryan Getzlaf, the team plans to appoint a captain. “We need to find a leadership group that can hold teammates accountable,” said coach Greg Cronin, who praised Verbeek’s support during his first year at the helm.
In addition to the continued development of Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and Pavel Mintyukov, the Ducks anticipate full seasons from Cutter Gauthier, Tristan Luneau, and Olen Zellweger, who played limited games this season. “All the young guys are looking to push their game to another level,” stated Zellweger.
Verbeek acknowledged the need to address faceoff proficiency and penalty-killing efficiency, areas weakened by late-season departures. Carlsson and Gauthier are expected to contribute in those aspects.
While the on-ice personnel will be shaped by opportunities and desires, the coaching staff remains less certain. Cronin brought in assistant Brent Thompson last summer, while Newell Brown and Craig Johnson were retained from the previous regime. Verbeek and Cronin have yet to discuss staff changes for next season.
In goal, Lukáš Dostál emerged as a potential No. 1, making 38 starts. John Gibson, long the subject of trade speculation, did not participate in an exit interview. However, Verbeek indicated that the Ducks may enter next season with the same goalie tandem.
Carlsson’s exceptional maturity and hockey sense drew praise from Alex Killorn, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The young Swede expressed confidence in his growth and the potential of the Ducks’ young core. “We’ve got a lot of young guys here and we’re all kind of growing up together, which is awesome,” said McTavish. “We really want to play for each other and we want to win. That’s the biggest thing for us, winning hockey games, getting in the playoffs and, hopefully, winning some Stanley Cups.”
