This time last year, nobody had much respect for the Anaheim Ducks. They finished seventh in the Pacific Division with 59 points, spared of a last-place finish only by their in-state rival, the San Jose Sharks.
Funny how quickly things can change and how optimism resurrects itself. After ditching their migraine-inducing uniforms and colors that always looked out of place for the old-school Mighty Ducks logo and bright orange get-ups, we knew it would be the dawn of a new age in team history.
Yeah, the dawn of a new age - that’s the symphonic-power metal fan in me talking. Anyway, while the Ducks were still a work in progress offensively, you couldn’t say the same about their defense. To an extent, anyway. As I write this, Anaheim still has a few games left, but their 241 goals allowed is good for 22nd in hockey. Not bad, when you consider what they finished with last season.
Anaheim Ducks ‘successful season’ led by a pair of goaltenders and defense
It was a year that saw Lukas Dostal break out and become the No. 1 man in the net. Currently, he’s rocking a 0.903 save percentage, a shutout, a 3.07 GAA, and a 0.556 quality starts percentage. Dostal unseated John Gibson, who played well in a secondary role and could be on the move as the Ducks continue to transition.
Growth was the key in 2024-25, and the Ducks saw it with Leo Carlsson, who has 20 goals and 40 points so far in 70 games. Carlsson’s converted 20.0 percent of his shots on goal and looks like the future face of the franchise alongside Dostal.
Just how young are the Ducks? Well, they have 11 players so far at or under their age-25 season who have played in at least 50 games. If and when this group sticks together, look for Anaheim to contend for a wild card in April 2026. And yes, feel free to hold me to my word.
Anaheim also has veterans capable of leading the charge
We will see more turnover for sure, but the Ducks wouldn’t have grown the way they have this season without guidance from their seasoned veterans. Players like Troy Terry, Frank Vatrano, Jacob Trouba, and Radko Gudas all pitched in and did one heck of a job helping the youngsters get to the next level.
While Terry is the current points leader as of Monday afternoon with 53 points and 20 goals in 71 games, we need to keep in mind that these are just growing pains when the Ducks have the puck. No, nobody will snag over 60 points this season, but that’s something that won’t last and you can expect a different vibe when the puck drops to kick off the 2025-26 season in October.
Overall, my message to Ducks fans is to just keep the faith and trust the process. Your team is going somewhere in the foreseeable future, and you will thank the hockey gods in the distance once this process is complete. And the next step will manifest itself come the summer of 2025.