Recapping the Anaheim Ducks’ 2025-26 Season: Players 21-30

The Anaheim Ducks’ 2025-26 season has wrapped up, and with the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the performances of each player in the organization. In this edition of “By the Numbers,” we focus on players who wore numbers 21 through 30 during the past season.

For Mason McTavish, the season proved to be a rollercoaster ride. After missing the start of training camp due to a contract dispute, he burst onto the scene with a strong showing in October and November, playing alongside fellow youngsters Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke. However, the latter half of his season was marked by inconsistency. While he was given the opportunity to step up as the top line center during Leo Carlsson’s recovery from a Morel-Lavallée lesion, McTavish struggled to maintain his production, even with increased ice time.

An upper-body injury in late January sidelined him for six games, and his return was less than stellar, as he managed only 11 points in the final 26 games of the regular season. A shift to the wing and a few healthy scratches in mid-March, as well as during the playoffs, have fueled trade rumors this summer. With McTavish under contract for five more years, any potential move would suggest a lack of confidence from general manager Pat Verbeek in McTavish’s ability to fill the second center role behind Carlsson. The Ducks’ 2025 10th overall pick, Roger McQueen, may be a candidate for a training camp look, but expecting him to have an immediate impact like Sennecke did last October could be unrealistic.

Mikael Granlund, while capable of stepping in as a second-line center, is 33 years old and missed 24 games last season due to injuries. Ryan Poehling, acquired from the Flyers in the Zegras trade, is more suited for a third-line role but can also fill in as needed. McTavish highlighted the need to improve his foot speed and defensive habits during his exit interview in May, emphasizing that a more well-rounded game could alleviate growing concerns about his performance.

When Jansen Harkins signed a two-year contract with the Ducks the day after Free Agent Frenzy in 2024, it was viewed primarily as a depth move for the AHL. However, just four games into the regular season, he was recalled to the NHL roster due to Frank Vatrano’s absence for the birth of his child. After a brief stint back in the AHL, Harkins was recalled again and remained with the Ducks for the rest of the season, although a preseason upper-body injury limited his availability early on.

Once he returned to the lineup in December, Harkins became a consistent presence in the bottom-six until a hand injury in late March sidelined him again, requiring surgery that kept him out until Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Harkins is a reliable depth forward known for his forechecking, energy, and versatility across all three forward positions. His potential return may hinge on the Ducks’ desire to give AHL players like Nathan Gaucher an opportunity in the NHL.

Poehling’s first season with the Ducks showcased his versatility after he was acquired from the Flyers. Initially starting as the fourth-line center, he was promoted to the third line following Granlund’s early-season injury. However, Poehling faced his own injury setbacks, missing seven games due to a back issue. Despite this, he continued to contribute secondary scoring and even moved up to the second line briefly in February. His strong performance earned him a four-year contract extension on March 5, with an AAV of $3.75 million. Depending on McTavish’s situation, Poehling is likely to be the Ducks’ third-line center next season, playing a crucial role on the penalty kill alongside Alex Killorn.

Another player whose arrival was met with mixed reactions, Ilijah Viel, was acquired from the Boston Bruins in January for a fourth-round pick. He made an immediate impact in his debut against the Kings, even dropping the gloves in his first game. Over the next few games, Viel scored two goals, quickly winning over Ducks fans with his gritty style of play. His versatility allowed head coach Joel Quenneville to utilize him in various roles, culminating in a standout performance during the playoffs. In the first round against the Edmonton Oilers, Viel played a key role in containing Connor McDavid while also contributing two crucial goals in victories during Games 3 and 4.

Viel’s performance on the national stage has made him a sought-after player as he heads into free agency after setting a career high in games played. His physical style and playoff contributions could make him a target for other teams, potentially pricing him out of the Ducks’ range.

As the Ducks look to the future, the offseason will be pivotal in determining the direction of the team and the roles these players will play moving forward.

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