Anaheim Ducks 2025-26 Season Recap: Spotlight on Players 91-98

The Anaheim Ducks have wrapped up their 2025-26 season, and with the NHL Entry Draft on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the performances of key players from the past year. This edition of ‘By the Numbers’ shines a light on those who donned numbers 91 through 98.

Leading the pack is Carlsson, who enjoyed a standout third season in the league. He fell just shy of the 30-goal mark, netting 29, and finished with 67 points, ranking second on the team despite missing 12 games due to surgery for a Morel-Lavallée lesion on his thigh. Had he remained healthy, he likely would have crossed the 70-point threshold and perhaps even hit 80.

Carlsson’s impressive start to the season earned him early consideration for the Hart Trophy, as he racked up 34 points in the first 25 games. However, December brought challenges as the injury began to affect his performance. Following the Olympic break, he returned to form, tallying 15 points in 16 games during March. Unfortunately, the surgery in January sidelined him from competing for Sweden in the Winter Olympics, and due to his restricted free agent status, he also missed the IIHF World Championship this past May.

As the Ducks’ No. 1 center, Carlsson made his playoff debut this season, showcasing his skills with eight points in the first round against the Edmonton Oilers. Although his performance dipped against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round, where he managed three points in six games, he is clearly on the rise as a potential star in the league. At just 21, he has transformed his skating from a perceived weakness into a strength, allowing him to navigate past defenders and create scoring opportunities.

General Manager Pat Verbeek is expected to pursue a long-term deal for Carlsson this summer, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Ducks’ future, with captaincy likely in his sights.

Next up is McQueen, who transitioned from the CHL to the NCAA with notable success during his freshman year at Providence. He recorded 27 points, including 11 goals, in 36 games, earning him the Hockey East Rookie of the Year title and a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Initially, McQueen faced challenges, but once he secured his first collegiate point, he found his rhythm, serving as the top line center in a system that emphasized strong defensive play.

After his collegiate campaign, McQueen signed an amateur tryout with the San Diego Gulls and inked an entry-level contract with the Ducks, set to begin in the 2026-27 season. He played seven games with the Gulls, scoring three goals and gaining playoff experience, although he did not register a point in two Calder Cup playoff games against the formidable Colorado Eagles.

As he heads into this fall, McQueen aims for a spot on the NHL roster, especially with uncertainty surrounding Mason McTavish and veteran Mikael Granlund. Assistant General Manager Martin Madden has tempered expectations for McQueen, suggesting his trajectory may not mirror that of Beckett Sennecke from last season, but he is still poised for a significant role, whether in the NHL or AHL.

Finally, Mintyukov experienced the most extensive playing time of his career, appearing in 73 games this season. Despite a lower-body injury that sidelined him briefly at the end of the regular season, he remained a consistent presence during the playoffs, participating in all 12 games.

Initially starting on the bottom defensive pair, Mintyukov’s role evolved throughout the season, especially after the acquisition of John Carlson from the Washington Capitals, which allowed him to partner with Carlson down the stretch. Although he was viewed as an offensive talent coming out of the draft, Mintyukov has developed into a more defensively responsible player while still showcasing his ability to contribute offensively.

With Carlson hitting the open market, Mintyukov will seek a new defensive partner next season. As a pending restricted free agent, he is likely to sign a bridge deal. The recent trade of Olen Zellweger to the Buffalo Sabres opens up opportunities for Mintyukov to secure his spot on the Ducks’ blue line, a goal he has been striving for in recent seasons.

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