3 positives from the Anaheim Ducks 2026 postseason

Despite the brutal fashion in which the 2026 playoffs ended for the Anaheim Ducks, there are many positives to drawn upon after their postseason run. Most of the young core took that next step in development, propelled the team into a playoff position, and were a major factor once the playoffs began. A couple veterans proved they were worthy additions to the lineup, and GM Pat Verbeek was vindicated on his offseason mandate from last summer, which is where we will begin.

The Ducks finally got a ticket to the dance

First things first, the Ducks should be applauded for even qualifying for the 2026 playoffs. Way back before the puck dropped on opening night, a playoff berth in a wildcard spot seemed like the best-case scenario for the Ducks. The worst-case scenario of a team wide regression never happened, though there were a few moments over the course of the regular season when the Ducks looked vulnerable of slipping out of the playoff race entirely.

The Ducks may have backed into a playoff spot, as the third best team in the Pacific Division, but they gave Anaheim fans something they had not seen in eight years; hockey in April. The Ducks knocked out the equally flawed Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid, sending the Albertan team into an identity crisis. While ultimately losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round did sting, the Ducks put up a good fight against a superior opponent and in doing so, succeeded beyond the most optimistic of expectations.

The old war dogs made an impact

With Mason McTavish struggling to find his game and his place withing the Ducks lineup, Mikael Granlund took over second line center duties. Granlund was the most productive veteran forward in the Ducks' postseason run, as he registered 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in 12 games and had the most ice time of any Ducks forward, averaging 19:12 per game. Granlund also became a fixture on the number one powerplay unit for the Ducks and had the only goal in the team's final playoff game.

Alex Killorn and his 6.25 million contract were scoffed at, when he signed with the Ducks way back in 2023. While still not fleet of foot, Killorn was regularly playing wing to Granlund in the playoffs and much like his center, Killorn rarely made a mistake when handling the puck. Killorn put up the second most points of the Ducks veterans, finding the scoresheet with 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists).

The young core finally arrived

The top three offensive producers for the Ducks in the playoffs were all part of the new young core. Leo Carlsson was obviously the number one center, registered 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) and averaged 18:09 of ice time. Troy Terry, the other half on the new dynamic duo, flanked Carlsson and found the scoresheet with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists), while averaging 17:56 in ice time. What's even more impressive, is that Terry still put up that kind of production while being hobbled by an undisclosed injury, as he did not take part in any of the Ducks practices during the playoffs.

Cutter Gauthier was the top point producer for the Ducks with 12 (4 goals, 8 assists). Gauthier was also the top point producer for the Ducks powerplay. as 8 of his points came from the man advantage. Much like Terry, it's impressive that Gauthier put up that kind of production, as he too battled back from a severe injury that he sustained during the regular season.

Jackson LaCombe truly became the number one defenseman for the Ducks, as his team leading 26:53 of average ice time during the playoffs would suggest. LaCombe was deployed in all situations and put up the most points of any Duck defenseman with 10 (1 goal, 9 assists). While his second-round play against Vegas was sloppy at times, LaCombe was truly a shutdown force against the Oilers in the first round.

Final thoughts

The Ducks wanted to make the 2026 playoffs and knocked that goal out of the park, by making a run into the second round. With some major decisions looming in the offseason for GM Verbeek, the expectations next season will be even higher, now that the team has had a taste of playoff success. Gone are the days of settling for a high draft pick, the Ducks have entered their contender window.

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