Four Ducks that are locks for the upcoming Winter Olympics

After an exciting revenge game against the Chicago Blackhawks and Canadian Olympic hopeful Connor Bedard, the Anaheim Ducks faced off against Canadian Olympic legend, Sidney Crosby. Even though the Ducks won against the Penguins by a final score of 4-3, a more important set on numbers is on the horizon; 31.

December 31st is the date that rosters for the upcoming Winter Olympics must be finalized. Sidney Crosby has already been named to Team Canda. If Russia was allowed to compete, Evgeni Malkin would have been named as well. There's still time for Erik Karlsson to make the cut for Team Sweden, even though he is no longer the offensive ace from the blue line he used to be.

Which Ducks players though are locks for the upcoming Olympics? Three players have already been named to their respective teams, and one other player should be on a roster.

Locks

Radko Gudas: Czechia

The captain for the Ducks was already named to the roster for Czechia. Gudas has only played in 19 games this season, due to an injury, but has been a steady presence on the blue line for the Ducks when in the lineup. Gudas will never be considered an offensive powerhouse, with only six points for the season (one goal and five assists), but he can still throw a mean hip check and has been credited with 73 hits so far this season. With the ability to eat minutes, averaging 16:04 in ice time, and make a clean first pass, Gudas will provide defensive stability for Czechia. Plus, Gudas can lean into a slap shot from the point.

Lukas Dostal: Czechia

Like Gudas, the number one goalie for the Ducks has already been named to the roster for Czechia. Dostal has had solid baseline stats for the season, with a .904 save percentage and a 2.81 goals against average. Dostal's 10.1 goals saved expected though, highlights just how steady he has been in net, allowing the Ducks to take their chances off the rush and bank on Dostal making saves on the inevitable counterattack from the opposition. However, Dostal has not played in nearly two weeks, due to an injury. Not only will Dostal's return to the net greatly help the Ducks, as they're down to third-string goalie Ville Husso, but help him round into form before February.

Damian Clara: Italy

Clara was drafted 60th overall by the Ducks in the 2023 draft. In two games with the San Diego Gulls in the AHL last season, Clara posted a 3.15 goals against average with a 0.898 save percentage. Over in the Swedish Hockey League this season, Clara has played 21 games with a 0.895 save percentage and 2.43 goals against average. The host nation's hockey team will be greatly outmatched, but Clara has posted better numbers in international competition, and Ducks fans should tune in just out of curiosity for one of their more unknown draft picks.

Should be a lock

Leo Carlsson: Sweden

The franchise cornerstone and number one center for the Ducks, Carlsson should be a lock for Team Sweden now. After making the Four Nations roster last season, with a 45-point campaign (20 goals and 25 assists), Carlsson has truly taken that next step this season. Highly dangerous off the rush with high play making ability and a lethal shot, Carlsson is also a fulcrum on the Ducks first power play unit. With 38 points (16 goals and 22 assists) in just 30 games, Carlsson has averaged 1.31 points per game played this season, which is first for the Ducks. Carlsson has set a high bar for himself this season and an Olympic invite would be a manifestation of his potential.

Even though these four Ducks are locks for their respective countries, other players from the team could garner consideration in the coming weeks, as the Ducks continue to hold down a playoff spot 30 games into the season.