After experiencing one of their most tumultuous offseasons in the quite some time, the Anaheim Ducks and their fans have to be counting down the days until the start of the 2026-27 season. While the Cutter Gauthier contract situation is still unresolved, the Ducks will undoubtedly have to shed another skater or two, to not only be cap compliant, but to bring their best sniper back into the fold. The combination of the Leo Carlsson offer sheet, and the upcoming Gauthier extension have created definite holes in the lineup. as veterans have been purged from the roster and the depth must be supplemented with younger and honestly, cheaper, options. The Ducks still boast one of the best prospect pools in the league though, and reinforcements for the NHL roster could be making an impact as soon as next season. With upcoming Rookie Faceoff set to begin next week, here's three prospects with the best chances of making the team, that are not Nikita Klepov.
Tristan Luneau
Depending on where you look, Luneau has either been penciled onto the opening night roster or left off entirely. Regardless, the upcoming season feels like it's now or never for Luneau. The veteran roadblocks of Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba, and John Carlson are no longer standing in the way. Luneau had 41 points (10 goals, 31 assists) in 70 games, for the San Diego Gulls last season. Over the course of three seasons, Luneau has been called up to the Ducks for 14 games, with his last outing occurring in the regular season finale against the Nashville Predators.
Ducks tie it back up. Tristan Luneau stops the Nashville play along the boards, and follows the rush the other way to finish in front. 2nd NHL goal.
— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) April 17, 2026
4-4, under 15 mins to play. #FlyTogether
Anaheim temporarily back out of the Colorado zone, as Kings in 0-0 tie, Oilers up 4-1. pic.twitter.com/rbpehnJJEE
However, Luneau has been passed over by fellow defensemen Drew Helleson, Ian Moore, and Tyson Hinds. And that's without accounting for the next prospect on our list, who could further complicate Luneau's ability to land a roster spot.
Stian Solberg
In 71 games for the Gulls last season, Solberg had 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists). However, if there is one attribute Ducks GM Pat Verbeek loves, it's toughness. And Solberg is a Verbeek type of defenseman, as the prospect also racked up 102 penalty minutes with the Gulls. Where Pavel Mintyukov. Moore, and Luneau are more geared to the offensive side of the puck, Solberg is more of a stay-at-home defenseman. There's also something to said for having too many of the same kind of defenders. For example, Olen Zellweger was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, who fit that offensive defenseman archetype and was considered expendable. And if either Helleson, Moore, or Hinds struggle early, Solberg could get called up to the Ducks.
Roger McQueen
After spending last season with Providence College and getting 7 playoff games with the Gulls, in which he scored 3 points, McQueen signed his entry level contract with the Ducks. As currently constructed though, the Ducks are set at the center position with Carlsson, Mikael Granlund, Ryan Poehling, and Tim Washe down the middle. As a result, McQueen will more than likely start the season in San Diego. However, Ducks management is high on McQueen and injuries will happen, opening up the possibility of a callup, provided McQueen is able to stay healthy himself, as that was the concern heading into his draft night.
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