The Anaheim Ducks have not made the playoffs since the 2017-18 season. However, with the new season approaching the Ducks have made several moves in what could be a year they return to the playoffs. The moves made were not only roster moves as they coaching staff got a shakeup too. Who are the new additions to the roster and staff?
Last season for Anaheim
Anaheim was extremely competitive last season and finished close to the .500 mark with a 35-37-10 record for 80 points. That placed them sixth in the Pacific Division but once again out of the playoffs. GM Pat Verbeek knew they were close to making an impact due to their young roster and stable goaltending. They had a solid team that was filled with players who wanted to get better yet they were not as talented as the other teams in the division. Something needed to change as they sought a new direction even though they were good in chunks throughout the season.
Who are the new additions?
First, the changes off the ice. The Ducks new head coach is Joel Quenneville, who comes in with a ton of experience and success. New assistant coaches include Jay Woodcroft, Ryan McGill, and Andrew Brewer. The other new face is former NHL goaltender Peter Budaj, who takes over as the goaltending coach.
New to the Ducks 2025-26 roster and how they were acquired include Mikael Granlund, who signed a three-year, $21 million deal and was the biggest name to sign a free agent deal in Anaheim as the rest were through trade. Forward Chris Kreider was acquired from the New York Rangers and brings goal scoring and experience. Forward Ryan Poehling was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward Trevor Zegras. Finally, goaltender Petr Mrazek comes from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for longtime Ducks goaltender John Gibson.
The national audience will get to see the new look Ducks five times as they will be on national television throughout the season. With a hall of fame coach in Quenneville, a sniper in Kreider, and an underrated goaltender in Lukas Dostal, the Ducks may have a good shot at making the playoffs. Last season their roster was solid enough to get close to .500 but with these additions they added quality over quantity. They filled some holes in the offseason and they are better than last season. A playoff spot may not be that far-fetched.