Anaheim Ducks News & Rumors: Milestones, Transactions, and Road Trip – The Hockey Writers – Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks were a big topic at the 2026 Trade Deadline because of their blockbuster trade to acquire veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals. That’s not the only thing buzzing in Orange County, however. The team is still flying high, reaching milestones, and making comebacks. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest happenings for the Ducks.
New Ducks Milestones in the Record Book
In recent games, Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Beckett Sennecke have reached some monumental milestones, especially considering their young ages. Gauthier reached a 30-goal season in the game against the New York Islanders, where he scored twice. He also recently reached 100-career points in just his second season in the league.
Carlsson and Sennecke each reached the 20-goal marker for the season in the game against the Islanders, as well. Sennecke also reached 50-career points in his rookie season and now has the most points among all NHL rookies. Jackson LaCombe tallied 100-career points in the team’s game against the Colorado Avalanche with an assist on Gauthier’s lone Ducks goal. He also achieved a new career high of 44 points this season.
There’s no doubt the Ducks, especially their young core, are outperforming anyone’s expectations. They are showing game after game that they deserve a spot in the playoff conversation and can skate circles around their opposition. They’re poised for success, and it will be fun to see how far it can go.
Trade Deadline Moves
The team made strategic moves at the 2026 Trade Deadline, picking up Carlson for a conditional first-round pick in 2026 or 2027 and a third-round pick in 2027. This move will bolster their blue line and add veteran presence and playoff experience to the squad, which will be critical as they chase the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons.
Carlson is a well-rounded player. He brings leadership both on and off the ice and will be an additional mentor to young defensemen like LaCombe and Ian Moore. He has consistently been a two-way player throughout his career, contributing to both offense and defense. This season with the Capitals, he had 46 points in 55 games. Defensively, he holds the back end strong, plays the puck protectively, and isn’t afraid to get physical.
Related: John Carlson Trade Redefines the Anaheim Ducks’ Blue Line
He is still recovering from an injury, but has traveled with the team on their Canadian road trip and is expected to play his first game soon. It will be interesting to see how the team restructures to account for him in the lineup. They now have eight defensemen, so two will either have to be reassigned to the San Diego Gulls in the American Hockey League or be healthy scratched each game. Moore and Drew Helleson are likely candidates, but head coach Joel Quenneville and staff are known to make surprising decisions.
The other Ducks move involved forward Ryan Strome, who was traded to the Calgary Flames for a seventh-round pick in 2027. Strome joined the team in the 2022-23 season and played 279 games in Anaheim, amassing 135 points. He recently played his 900th-career game in Calgary.
Canadian Road Trip
The Ducks won the first of four road games last night, taking a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. They stay in Canada for the entirely of the trip, visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens. While they are firmly in the Pacific Division’s top three (currently in first), every game counts, and it will be critical for them to maintain their highest level of performance and secure two points as often as possible.
They play the Maple Leafs on Thursday before facing a back-to-back against the Senators and Canadiens on Saturday and Sunday. Keep your eye on The Hockey Writers for all things Ducks and beyond.
