With the preseason already underway, the start of the regular season approaching rapidly, and an expectation of pushing for a playoff spot from management, now would be a good time to forecast which of the Ducks regulars are facing the most pressure for the upcoming season.
These rankings are subjective and based around the skaters who will play most, if not all, of the regular season. So rookies like Beckett Sennecke or Stian Solberg, will not be represented. Note, all players in the NHL face pressure in some form or fashion, this list is just meant as an index as some face more from the weight of expectations.
This is the final edition of the preseason pressure rankings. The previous editions contained the rankings of players 10-15 and players 16-23.
9. Tristan Luneau
2024-25 Season Stats: 6 GP, 0 G, 0 A, ATOI: 16:33
Why is there pressure on Luneau who only played six games last season and only has thirteen games in total in the NHL? Luneau is one of only a few of the right hand shot defensemen in the Ducks system, as Helleson, Gudas, and Trouba are the only other regulars in the lineup. If Helleson stumbles or either of Gudas or Trouba get hurt and/or traded, Luneau is the next logical skater to slide into an open roster spot. Luneau was great for the San Diego Gulls last season (59 GP, 9 G, 43 A) and the Ducks have refused of offer Luneau up in any previous trades, which speaks to how highly he is viewed from management. This may be the year that Luneau finally becomes part of the Ducks defense corps.
8. Olen Zellweger
2024-25 Season Stats: 62 GP, 7 G, 13 A, ATOI: 18:58
7. Pavel Mintyukov
2024-25 Season Stats: 68 GP, 5 G, 14 A, ATOI: 17:36
The 2024-25 season was rough for both Zellweger and Mintyukov, as both players were constantly shuffled in and out of the lineup prior to the Cam Fowler trade. Neither could find consistent ice time under the previous coaching staff and their offensive totals reflect that indecisiveness. Both Zellweger and Mintyukov are similar players in that they are offensive minded defenseman that like to join the rush and are capable of quarterbacking a powerplay unit. The problem stems from how of many of that archetype do the Ducks actually need. The pressure will be on each of them to prove their worth to the team, as both Zellweger and Mintyukov will need new contracts next season. With Stian Solberg marinating in the minors, Zellweger and Mintyukov each need to have strong 2025-26 campaigns.
6. Chris Kreider
2024-25 Season Stats: 68 GP, 22 G, 8 A, ATOI: 16:45
GM Verbeek's other big offseason acquisition, Kreider is arriving to a Ducks team that desperately needs more offensive punch. Though he is now a few seasons away from scoring 52 goals, Kreider can still provide a boost to the much-maligned Ducks powerplay that has been at the bottom of the league for years now. With a new coaching staff and away from the spotlight of being the guy in New York, Kreider has the potential to get back to his goal scoring form. The pressure will be on to see if he is still worth his $6.5 million cap hit and can keep up playing on a line with either Leo Carlsson or Mason McTavish.
5. Cutter Gauthier
2024-25 Season Stats: 82 GP, 20 G, 24 A, ATOI: 14:09
The main acquisition from the Jamie Drydale trade in 2024, Gauthier delivered promising results in the 2024-25 season. Though having the build of a traditional power forward, Gauthier's quick release can be devasting. Combined with being paired on the top line with Leo Carlsson, Gauthier has the potential to take another step forward this upcoming season. Though Troy Terry has been the most consistent winger, Gauthier has the makeup to be the best pure goal scorer for the Ducks. Gauthier will also be a RFA after this season, so the pressure will be on to produce even more offense and secure a lucrative long-term contract to stay in Anaheim.
4. Jackson LaCombe
2024-25 Season Stats: 75 GP, 14 G, 29 A, ATOI: 22:18
The new number one in Anaheim, LaCombe took a massive step forward in his second full season. While Zellweger and Mintyukov struggled to find consistent ice time in the defense rotation, LaCombe thrived. LaCombe is the number one defenseman for the Ducks; he plays in all situations, will kill plays in transition, picks opportune spots to join the rush, and becomes an anchor for struggling defensive partners. The pressure will be on LaCombe to prove that he is worth his new contract; despite what some naysayers think about handing out such a large deal to a young star in a non-traditional market.
3. Mason McTavish
2024-25 Season Stats: 76 GP, 22 G, 30 A, ATOI: 16:53
After the long and unnecessarily drawn-out contract impasse, the Ducks and McTavish finally agreed to a new contract. Just in time too, with the preseason already underway, new players added to the roster, and a new coaching staff. McTavish was already looked at as the number two center on the Ducks' depth chart, and he will have to prove it. McTavish plays in all situations and despite the frame of a power forward, he has a very quick release with his shot. If the Ducks want to take the next step, the pressure will be on McTavish elevate his offensive game even further and be the best second line pivot on the team.
2. Lukas Dostal
2024-25 Season Stats: 54 GP, 23 W, 23 L, 7 OT/SO Losses, 1 Shutout, 3.10 GAA, .903 SV%
The third and final goalie on the list, Dostal signed a new contract during the offseason. While Dostal's statistics seem average at best, further context is needed. The Ducks have been a porous defensive team for the past seven seasons and sometimes historically atrocious even. Dostal and the recently traded John Gibson, have had to keep the Ducks afloat on a nightly basis. Dostal showed he could be a number one goalie though, by posting 14.3 goals saved above expected last season, despite the chaos in front of his crease. The pressure with be on Dostal to be the backbone of a team with playoff aspirations.
1. Leo Carlsson
2024-25 Season Stats: 76 GP, 20 G, 25 A, ATOI: 16:14
The preseason rankings conclude with the player facing the most pressure this upcoming season. Not only does Carlsson have to continue build upon on his offensive output from last season, he has to thrive as the number one center in all situations for a team that has not seen the playoffs in seven years, build sustained chemistry with his linemates in a new coaching system, and prove that he was worthy of being selected second overall over another young center in the same draft. Carlsson will also need a next contract after this season, as he will be a RFA as well. Fairly or not, the future outlook for the Ducks rests squarely on Carlsson's shoulders.