High-flying Ducks could add some great talent from the pool of free agents this offseason, and here are my picks

With the season over for Anaheim, the focus shifts toward the offseason, and GM Pat Verbeek will have his hands full. There are a few players heading out the door in free agency, such as Radko Gudas, John Carlson, and Jansen Harkins, to name a few. Not only will Verbeek be looking to add through trades, but he could also sign a veteran or two with more offensive upside and valuable playoff experience. The free agent crop is considerably thin, as most upcoming UFAs have already been locked up, but there are still some awesome names in the group. I have come up with a list of players purely based off of guys I like as a fan and also just based off of the eye test, not going deep into any analytics or contract projections.

Mason Marchment, LW

The Uxbridge, Ontario native has just completed his 6th NHL season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He had previously been a solid contributor with the Dallas Stars over three seasons and two trips to the Western Conference final. Turning 31 this June, Marchment has managed to consistently produce over half a point per game throughout the past half-decade. Scoring 20-plus goals for three years in a row. With his speed, grit, and scoring touch, he could be a great depth addition.

Where he could fit - Third line, perhaps with Ryan Poehling and Sam Colangelo. Could maybe even play on the second line with Mikael Granlund and Beckett Sennecke or Troy Terry.

Corey Perry, RW

I know he just turned 41, but he is my all-time favorite Duck, and I would love to see him back in the orange and gold. Yes, I will admit that this is more of a fantasy pick, but I do believe that on a rising Ducks squad, he could be an effective piece playing on the fourth line and would likely still see his fair share of power-play time. Perry has had no shortage of playoff experience in recent years and still proved himself in terms of point production in 2025-26, scoring 17 goals and 20 assists in 72 games between Los Angeles and Tampa Bay.

Where he could fit - Fourth line, perhaps with Tim Washe and Nikita Nesterenko.

Darren Raddysh, D

Perry’s teammate in Tampa, the 30-year-old defenseman, had himself a career year. Scoring 70 points in 73 games and showing that he can really bring the offense from the blueline. That may inflate his value; however, he has only played the three full NHL seasons, as he had toiled in the American Hockey League for six seasons prior. Perhaps this would give Verbeek some leverage in terms of signing Raddysh long-term at a lower AAV. That being said, a high-scoring, right-handed defenseman comes at a premium in this league.

Where he could fit - Top 4 pairing with one of either Jackson LaCombe or Pavel Mintyukov.

Jack Roslovic, C/W

Out of Columbus, Ohio, the 29-year old center has been playing in the show for nearly a decade and would be a fantastic bottom-six forward that can play center when needed and would add some tenacity and offensive flair to the lineup. He is coming off two straight 20-goal campaigns. As well, many Ducks fans will find this name familiar, as he was a member of the Oilers team that was handily dispatched by Anaheim. I personally have always been a fan of Roslovic and feel that he would bolster the bottom-six.

Where he could fit - Possibly with Washe and playing alongside some version of Colangelo, Roger McQueen, or Maxim Massé

Eeli Tolvanen, W

The 27-year-old Finn is a player that I have liked a lot over the last few years, and I will say that I was a little upset that he wasn’t picked up on waivers a few years back, in December of 2022. However, my wish could be granted as Verbeek could very well sign this six-year vet at a low number and a very reasonable term. For what vibes are worth, I could see him walking into Anaheim and feeling welcome right away as he just played in the Olympics with Granlund. Tolvanen also offers a scoring touch and physicality. He’s not destroying worlds by any means, but he is good for about 30-plus points in a given season.

Where he could fit - Bottom-six, perhaps a third line of Poehling at center with Killorn on the left wing.

Kailer Yamamoto, W

Not only are the Ducks my absolute favorite team, but I will gladly say that the Utah Mammoth are my second favorite, being that I am a Utah native. I had the privilege of watching many games in Salt Lake City last season and found myself very impressed with Yamamoto’s play. Although he is smaller, at 5 feet 9 inches and under 180 pounds, he plays well beyond his diminutive stature. He is feisty, tenacious, and can score goals, especially in the dirty areas right near the net. He has speed, hands, and can shoot. Basic skills that, when done proficiently, make that player very dangerous. He managed to bury 13 goals and added 10 assists in just 59 games with Utah in 2025-26.

Where he could fit - Honestly, anywhere. He is versatile and has played high-octane hockey with stars like Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther, but can also play the shut down role and has done so with players such as Alex Kerfoot and Kevin Stenlund.

Honorable mentions

Jacob Trouba and Jeffrey Viel are two outgoing UFAs which I personally wouldn’t mind seeing back in Anaheim next season. Trouba had a great year offensively, but could definitely be better utilized defensively in terms of playing fewer minutes. Perhaps he would be better served with Mintyukov or Tyson Hinds on a third pairing. Viel was a shot in the arm for the Ducks right from the jump. He produced at a very high rate by his standards and would still be a great fit on a fourth, maybe third, line role.

Final thoughts

As I have looked through my own list, I recognize that all of my picks are depth adds. This is fitting as the top-six for the Ducks is pretty set. The bottom-six being strengthened is the way to go in terms of wanting to compete deeper into the playoffs. As well, the free agent market this year isn’t one for finding a game breaker. That is where the trade market would come into play. As sad as it is for Anaheim to be out of the playoffs already, Ducks fans should be very proud of what the team did this year and excited for what they continue to build upon in the coming years. Let's Go Ducks!

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