Anaheim Ducks Eye Key Additions in Upcoming Free Agency Period

The Anaheim Ducks are poised for a transformative offseason following a promising 2025-26 campaign that saw them reach the playoffs and advance to the second round. With the 2026 NHL Draft in the rearview mirror, the Ducks have not only bolstered their future prospects but also created significant cap space, setting the stage for an active free agency period.

Day 1 of the draft marked a pivotal moment for the franchise as the Ducks traded away two established NHL players, Mason McTavish and Olen Zellweger, in exchange for valuable assets: two first-round picks (15th and 29th overall), a second-round pick (45th overall), and forward prospect Anton Wahlberg. The moves reflect the organization’s commitment to a youth-driven rebuild.

As it stands, the Ducks have nine forwards, four defensemen, and two goaltenders under contract for the upcoming 2026-27 season. However, they face challenges, particularly with Troy Terry expected to miss approximately 25-35 games due to hip surgery. With the free agency period set to kick off on July 1 at 9 AM PT, the Ducks’ roster still has several gaps that need addressing.

Currently, the Ducks are projected to have $44.6 million in cap space, and the focus will likely be on acquiring one or two top-four defensemen to complement Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov, alongside a middle-six center and additional wingers to enhance their lineup. The free agency class for 2026 is notably thin, particularly in the Ducks’ areas of need: right-shot defensemen and centers.

Among the top available right-shot defensemen are former Ducks Jacob Trouba and John Carlson, although both players are unlikely to return to Anaheim. Other potential targets include Radko Gudas, Rasmus Andersson, Andrew Peeke, Troy Stecher, and Vincent Desharnais, with the Ducks potentially considering an unconventional strategy of pursuing left-shot defensemen to fill their blueline needs. This approach could open up more options in both the trade and free agency markets.

In terms of center depth, the Ducks may have to rely on their internal options if they cannot make a trade. General Manager Pat Verbeek has highlighted organizational depth at the position, mentioning Mikael Granlund and the potential for prospects like Roger McQueen or Cutter Gauthier to step in. Meanwhile, the free agent market offers limited choices, with Boone Jenner and Erik Haula as the most viable options for middle-six center roles.

As for the wing position, with Terry’s absence at the start of the season, the Ducks will be looking to strengthen their depth. Veterans like Alex Killorn and Chris Kreider might not replicate their previous season’s output, while sophomore Beckett Sennecke stands out as the only true top-six winger currently on the roster. The Ducks will also be keeping an eye on potential breakout performances from younger players such as Frank Vatrano, Nikita Nesterenko, and Sam Colangelo.

In free agency, several intriguing wingers are available, including Mats Zuccarello, Ilya Mikheyev, Mason Marchment, and Vladimir Tarasenko, among others. The possibility of a reunion between Patrick Kane and former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville could add an exciting narrative to the offseason.

While the Ducks may not address every need immediately, their strategy of enhancing the roster through targeted additions could keep them competitive during the 2026-27 season. By reinforcing the wing and solidifying their defense, they can maintain their standing until Terry returns and potentially see younger players step up, mirroring the impact of Jackson LaCombe’s emergence in previous seasons.

The Ducks made headlines during the draft by selecting Nikita Klepov with the 15th overall pick and Marcus Nordmark with the 28th pick, while also extending Ian Moore’s contract for two more years. These moves, combined with their upcoming free agency strategy, highlight a focused approach toward building a stronger team.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.