The Anaheim Ducks entered the 2024-25 NHL season with cautious optimism. With a blend of promising young talent and veteran leadership, there was hope this season would mark a step forward in their rebuild. Instead, they find themselves in a familiar and frustrating position—near the bottom of the Pacific Division, clinging to fading playoff aspirations. As the March 7 Trade Deadline approaches, the team must face reality: it’s time to sell big and fully commit to the rebuild.
A Season of Missed Opportunities and Poor Performances
Through 46 games, the Ducks sit at 20-23-6, 28th place in the league and 7th in the division, putting them well outside the playoff picture. Their .469 points percentage ranks them 12th in the Western Conference and 26th in the league, far behind the likes of the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers. The numbers paint a bleak picture of Anaheim’s season:
- Goals For: 121 (2.47 per game, 32nd in the NHL)
- Goals Against: 151 (3.08 per game, 19th in the NHL)
- Power Play: 13.43% (30th in the league)
- Penalty Kill: 74.10% (27th in the league)
The Ducks’ offense has been nearly non-existent, relying too heavily on Troy Terry (38 points in 45 games) and an inconsistent Trevor Zegras, who has struggled after injury. The lack of secondary scoring has been glaring, with players like Mason McTavish and Ryan Strome failing to provide consistent offensive support. Free-agent addition Alex Killorn, expected to bring veteran leadership and scoring punch, has been largely ineffective, with just 10 goals in 49 games.
On the defensive end, Anaheim’s young core, led by Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov, has shown flashes of promise. Still, the unit as a whole has been a liability. The acquisition of Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers in December was meant to stabilize the blue line, but he has struggled to adapt since joining the team.
Goaltending: A Wasted Strength
Lukas Dostal has emerged as Anaheim’s primary goaltender, appearing in 29 games and posting a .910 save percentage with a 2.93 goals-against average. While Dostal has shown promise, he has often been left to fend for himself behind a weak defensive core. His workload has increased significantly this season, raising questions about whether he can handle the long-term responsibilities of a starting netminder.
Meanwhile, John Gibson has taken on a reduced role, appearing in just 21 games with a .912 save percentage and a 2.76 goals-against average. While he remains a reliable veteran presence, it is clear that Anaheim is shifting toward a younger goaltending approach. At 31, Gibson deserves a shot at competing for a Stanley Cup. Anaheim should strongly consider moving him to a contender, which needs an experienced goaltender. Trading Gibson would allow the Ducks to focus on further developing Dostal and acquiring another young netminder in return.
Time to Sell: Who Should Be on the Block?
With the Ducks unlikely to mount a late-season surge, general manager Pat Verbeek must take an aggressive approach at the Anaheim Ducks trade deadline. The team has several pieces that could fetch valuable assets in return, accelerating their rebuild.
1. John Gibson (G)
If the Ducks finally decide to part ways with their longtime netminder, there will be no shortage of suitors. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Pittsburgh Penguins need goaltending help, and Gibson could be the missing piece for a deep playoff run. A trade at the Anaheim Ducks trade deadline could net Anaheim a first-round pick and a high-end prospect, providing much-needed future assets.
2. Jakob Trouba (D)
After acquiring him earlier in the season, the Ducks could flip Trouba to a contender needing a physical, right-shot defenseman. His contract ($8M AAV) could be a sticking point. Still, a playoff-bound team like the Tampa Bay Lightning or Dallas Stars might be interested if Anaheim retains salary.
3. Alex Killorn (LW)
Killorn has struggled to live up to expectations after signing with Anaheim, registering just 10 goals and 11 assists through 49 games. His veteran presence and playoff experience could appeal to contenders needing secondary scoring. The Colorado Avalanche or Winnipeg Jets could be potential landing spots, and the Ducks could look to acquire a second-round pick or a prospect in return.
4. Trevor Zegras (C/LW)
Once considered a franchise cornerstone, Zegras has struggled with consistency and injuries this season. While he remains a talented offensive force, there are concerns about his defensive play and ability to lead this young Ducks team forward. A trade at the Anaheim Ducks trade deadline involving Zegras could bring back a significant return, potentially including a top-tier prospect and draft picks from a team looking for an infusion of high-end offensive talent.
5. Mason McTavish (C)
McTavish has shown flashes of brilliance but has also dealt with injuries and inconsistency. While he remains a valuable asset for the Ducks, there’s a growing belief that he might be better suited for a different system. If Anaheim were to move McTavish, they could land a young, NHL-ready player and additional draft capital to accelerate their rebuild.
6. Cutter Gauthier (C)
Gauthier, a highly touted young forward, has generated significant interest due to his size, skill, and versatility. While he remains an essential part of the Ducks’ future, Anaheim could explore moving him if the right package presents itself. Suppose a contending team offers a combination of high-end prospects and multiple first-round picks. In that case, the Ducks may be tempted to consider the deal as they look to accelerate their rebuild.
7. Jackson LaCombe (D)
LaCombe has shown flashes of strong two-way play but has struggled with consistency on the defensive end. Given the Ducks’ logjam of young defensemen, moving LaCombe could bring in a valuable forward prospect or draft capital. A team looking for a young, puck-moving defenseman, such as the New York Rangers or New Jersey Devils, could be interested in acquiring him at the deadline.
Looking Ahead: The Blueprint for a True Rebuild
The Ducks must use the 2025 NHL Entry Draft to restock their prospect pool. With a high first-round pick almost guaranteed, Anaheim has a chance to land a future franchise cornerstone. Top prospects like Matthew Schaefer and James Hagens would be game-changers for the organization.
Additionally, Verbeek must focus on acquiring prospects who can make an impact within the next two to three seasons. The Ducks already have a solid foundation with Leo Carlsson, Olen Zellweger, Tristan Luneau, and Beckett Sennecke. However, adding more high-end talent will be crucial in accelerating their rebuild.
Conclusion: Accept the Reality and Act Accordingly
The Ducks’ 2024-25 season has been a disaster, but it doesn’t have to be a wasted year. Suppose management is willing to make tough decisions and sell aggressively at the trade deadline. In that case, they can set themselves up for a much brighter future.
It’s time to say goodbye to some familiar faces and embrace the rebuild in full. The Ducks have some valuable trade chips that could bring in a haul of draft picks and young talent, positioning them as contenders within the next few seasons. But standing pat or making short-sighted moves would only prolong the pain for Ducks fans who have been waiting far too long for a return to relevance.
The message to the front office is clear: Sell now, build for tomorrow, and ensure that the Ducks’ next playoff run isn’t just a fleeting dream but a sustained reality.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro- Imagn Images
The post The Anaheim Ducks Disappointing Season: Time to Sell Big appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.