The Anaheim Ducks are gearing up for their first Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2017-18 season, and their roster is stacked with young talent. With a 42-33-6 record and a third-place finish in the Pacific Division, the Ducks are poised to make a run at the Cup. Here's a closer look at the key players who will be leading the charge.
Forwards
Leo Carlsson
As one of the Ducks' young stars, Leo Carlsson is a force to be reckoned with. Selected second overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, the 21-year-old center had a breakout season, setting career highs in goals (29), assists (38), and points (67) in 70 games. His size (6'3", 208 lbs) and skill make him a threat on both ends of the ice.
Cutter Gauthier
Another young star, Cutter Gauthier, was acquired by the Ducks in January 2024. In his second full season, the 22-year-old forward led the team in goals (41) and points (69) in 76 games. His size (6'2", 205 lbs) and playmaking ability make him a key contributor.
Mikael Granlund
Mikael Granlund, a 34-year-old forward, is a veteran presence on the team. In his first season with Anaheim, he had 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 58 games. His experience and leadership will be invaluable during the playoffs.
Jansen Harkins
Jansen Harkins, a 28-year-old center, is in his second season with the Ducks. He had eight points (three goals, five assists) in 44 games before undergoing hand surgery in March. His playmaking skills and ability to create scoring chances will be crucial.
Ross Johnston
Ross Johnston, a 32-year-old forward, is a physical presence on the ice. In his third season with the Ducks, he set an NHL career high with 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 62 games. His ability to create space and generate offense will be key.
Alex Killorn
Alex Killorn, a 36-year-old forward, brings playoff experience to the team. He won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, and has 140 games of playoff experience. His leadership and ability to score in crucial moments will be invaluable.
Chris Kreider
Chris Kreider, a 34-year-old forward, brings a wealth of playoff experience to the Ducks. With 123 games of playoff experience, he has advanced to the Cup Final with the New York Rangers. His scoring ability and leadership will be a boost to the team.
Mason McTavish
Mason McTavish, a 23-year-old forward, had a strong season, setting NHL career highs in goals (22), assists (30), and points (52) last season. His playmaking ability and scoring touch will be a threat to opposing teams.
Ryan Poehling
Ryan Poehling, a 27-year-old forward, had a breakout season, setting an NHL career high with 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists) in 75 games. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute offensively will be a boost.
Beckett Sennecke
Beckett Sennecke, a 20-year-old forward, had a strong season, leading the team in points (60) with 23 goals and 37 assists in 82 games. His playmaking ability and scoring touch will be a threat to opposing teams.
Troy Terry
Troy Terry, a 28-year-old forward, will make his playoff debut in his ninth NHL season. He had 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 61 games this season. His playmaking ability and scoring touch will be a boost to the team.
Frank Vatrano
Frank Vatrano, a 32-year-old forward, brings playoff experience to the team. He has 34 games of playoff experience, including 20 with the Rangers in 2022. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute offensively will be a boost.
Jeffrey Viel
Jeffrey Viel, a 29-year-old forward, brings a physical presence to the team. He had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 35 games after being acquired from the Boston Bruins. His ability to create space and generate offense will be key.
Tim Washe
Tim Washe, a 25-year-old rookie forward, had five points (two goals, three assists) in 39 games this season. His playmaking ability and scoring touch will be a boost to the team.
Defensemen
John Carlson
John Carlson, a 36-year-old defenseman, is a massive acquisition for the Ducks. He won the Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018 and brings a wealth of playoff experience. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute offensively will be a boost.
Radko Gudas
Radko Gudas, a 35-year-old defenseman, provides a physical presence on the ice. In his third season with Anaheim, he had 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 56 games. His leadership and ability to create space will be key.
Drew Helleson
Drew Helleson, a 25-year-old defenseman, is in his second full season with the Ducks. He had 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) in 60 games. His playmaking ability and scoring touch will be a threat to opposing teams.
Tyson Hinds
Tyson Hinds, a 23-year-old defenseman, played his first six NHL games after being recalled from San Diego of the American Hockey League. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute defensively will be a boost.
Jackson LaCombe
Jackson LaCombe, a 25-year-old defenseman, had a strong season, setting an NHL career high with 58 points (10 goals, 48 assists) in 82 games. His playmaking ability and scoring touch will be a threat to opposing teams.
Pavel Mintyukov
Pavel Mintyukov, a 22-year-old defenseman, had 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 73 games this season. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute defensively will be a boost.
Ian Moore
Ian Moore, a 24-year-old rookie defenseman, had 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 67 games. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute defensively will be a boost.
Jacob Trouba
Jacob Trouba, a 32-year-old defenseman, brings a wealth of playoff experience to the team. He has 73 games of playoff experience and has advanced to the Western Conference Final with the Winnipeg Jets. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute defensively will be a boost.
Olen Zellweger
Olen Zellweger, a 22-year-old defenseman, had 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 78 games in his second full season. His playmaking ability and scoring touch will be a threat to opposing teams.
Goalies
Lukas Dostal
Lukas Dostal, the Ducks' No. 1 goalie, had a strong season, setting NHL career highs in games played (56), games started (55), and wins (30). His ability to make key saves and keep the team in games will be crucial.
Ville Husso
Ville Husso, a 31-year-old goalie, brings playoff experience to the team. He has seven games of playoff experience and has a strong track record with the St. Louis Blues. His ability to make key saves and keep the team in games will be crucial.
