Recapping the Ducks’ 2025-26 Season: Players 71-80 Under the Microscope

The Anaheim Ducks’ 2025-26 season has concluded, and as the 2026 NHL Entry Draft approaches, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the performance of players within the organization. In this edition of ‘By the Numbers,’ we delve into the contributions of those who wore numbers 71 through 80 this past season.

Francis faced an extraordinary challenge this season, playing only two games due to health concerns that transcended typical injuries. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2020, he has emerged as a four-time cancer survivor after a relapse last October. Although he entered remission in December, he did not return to the ice for the remainder of the season as he focused on recovery. Now a free agent after a one-year AHL-only deal, his future with the Ducks remains uncertain, but his resilience is commendable regardless of his playing status.

Read, selected in the third round of the 2025 draft, was anticipated to elevate his game for the London Knights following the departure of key players. However, he played just 10 games for the Knights before being traded to the Niagara IceDogs for Braidy Wassilyn. His initial six games with the IceDogs were promising, as he netted four goals, but he struggled with consistency afterward, finishing with only 16 points in his next 44 games. Despite the challenges, Read is likely to return to the IceDogs next season, aiming to leverage his speed and forechecking ability for greater impact.

Myšák was among the final cuts during training camp, vying for a bottom-six forward spot. After a breakout season in 2024-25, he spent the entire 2025-26 campaign with the San Diego Gulls, primarily as their second line center, recording 23 points in 56 games—significantly lower than his previous year’s production. An injury in February sidelined him for 14 games, and upon his return, his offensive output dwindled. Following the arrival of top prospect Roger McQueen, Myšák was demoted to the third line and even became a healthy scratch during the playoffs. Recently, he signed a two-year contract with HV71 in the SHL, making his future with the Ducks uncertain as he was set to become a restricted free agent this summer.

Carlson, acquired from the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline, brought a veteran presence to the Ducks’ blue line. Despite a lingering lower-body injury that delayed his debut, he quickly acclimated to the team’s offensive style, finishing the regular season with 14 points in 16 games, including a hat trick against the San Jose Sharks. His playoff performance was mixed, as he averaged over 23 minutes of ice time but struggled against the Vegas Golden Knights, recording only one point and a minus-4 rating in the second-round series. With Carlson set to become an unrestricted free agent, he is reportedly seeking a return to the East Coast, potentially commanding a lucrative contract.

Caulfield enjoyed his best professional season in the AHL, contributing significantly to the Gulls while playing primarily alongside Nathan Gaucher. His power forward style and ability to shield the puck made him a valuable asset. As he enters the summer out of contract, his performance could earn him a shot at an NHL deal, particularly with a new head coach at the helm for the Gulls.

Vatrano’s season was marked by ups and downs, starting on the third line and struggling to find his rhythm. After a series of challenges, including the tragic loss of his brother, he returned to the lineup in March but faced further obstacles, including being a healthy scratch during crucial games. With two years remaining on his contract, his future remains in question as he looks to rebound from a difficult season.

Suchánek faced a challenging return from a ruptured ACL, starting the season in the ECHL before seeing limited action with the Gulls. With both Calle Clang and Slava Buteyets potentially departing, he may find himself in a more prominent role next season, hoping to regain his form after a difficult year.

Finally, Schock’s first collegiate season saw him contribute 10 points in 38 games. Initially part of the rotation, he found a more stable role on the second pairing as the season progressed. With his strong skating and hockey sense, Schock has the potential to develop into an NHL player in the future.

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