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The Anaheim Ducks concluded their season on May 14, falling in six games to the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the playoffs. This marked a significant turnaround for the Ducks, who reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2018 and secured a series victory for the first time since 2017.
With a roster that blends youth and experience, general manager Pat Verbeek faces crucial decisions as the team looks toward the 2026-27 season. As the Stanley Cup Final nears its conclusion and the NHL Draft approaches, speculation surrounding potential offseason moves is intensifying.
One of the Ducks’ notable acquisitions was veteran defenseman John Carlson, who was traded from the Washington Capitals just before the 2026 trade deadline. The deal included a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick. Verbeek indicated that the acquisition was aimed at strengthening the Ducks’ playoff chances and expressed a desire to re-sign Carlson, whose contract, valued at an average annual salary of $8 million, expires on July 1 unless an extension is finalized.
In the aftermath of their playoff exit, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared insights on his “32 Thoughts” podcast, noting the importance of Carlson’s potential return to Anaheim. Carlson himself has expressed openness to returning, stating, “I’m open, for sure. There’s no bones about that” during his exit interview.
The St. Louis Blues, coming off a disappointing season, are also in a transition phase and are expected to engage in trade discussions. TSN’s Darren Dreger mentioned on the “Hockey Sense” podcast that previous conversations between the Blues and Ducks may be revisited, particularly regarding players like center Robert Thomas, forward Jordan Kyrou, and right-shot defenseman Colton Parayko.
With three veteran right-shot defensemen—Jacob Trouba, John Carlson, and Radko Gudas—set to hit free agency, the Ducks are seeking to bolster their blueline, particularly to find a long-term partner for star Jackson LaCombe. Parayko has emerged as a prime target, with reports indicating he is interested in staying out West and has previously shown interest in the Ducks. ESPN’s Kevin Weekes noted that Parayko was willing to waive his no-trade clause to join either the Ducks or the Los Angeles Kings.
Meanwhile, Mason McTavish, who signed a six-year extension earlier this season, has faced scrutiny following a lackluster performance that included a position change and being scratched during crucial playoff games. Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic highlighted that several teams have inquired about McTavish, suggesting that the Ducks could be involved in significant trade discussions this offseason.
LeBrun speculated that if a star player like Auston Matthews were to seek a trade, the Ducks would be among the teams he might consider, given their draft assets and young talent. McTavish’s name has also appeared on Chris Johnston’s offseason trade board, indicating that while the Ducks may not be actively shopping him, they are open to offers.
In coaching news, the Ducks have hired Jay Woodcroft to oversee their forward group and power play. Woodcroft, who previously coached the Edmonton Oilers, has emerged as a candidate for several head coaching vacancies, including interviews with the Kings and Maple Leafs.
As the Ducks prepare for the offseason, they are also navigating the potential changes in contracts for their young stars. Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson, both top prospects, are expected to set new benchmarks for young players entering their prime as they approach contract extensions.
Carlsson has solidified his status as a franchise player for the Ducks, scoring 67 points in the regular season and contributing 11 points in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the future of head coach Joel Quenneville remains uncertain, with discussions about a contract extension tempered by his age and the successful season he led the team through.
Lastly, the league is set to introduce a new alternate jersey program, with the Ducks rumored to feature a green jersey reminiscent of their original “District 5” design from the iconic “Mighty Ducks” film. Leaks suggest that the design will incorporate the Ducks’ current branding in a nostalgic color scheme.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
