The Anaheim Ducks have been making waves this offseason with a series of bold moves aimed at strengthening their roster. From trading away long-time players like Trevor Zegras and John Gibson to signing Mikael Granlund and acquiring Chris Kreider via trade, the Ducks are clearly focused on building a competitive team for the upcoming season.
However, as the Ducks look to solidify their lineup, there are three players who stand out as potential weak links that the team should consider moving on from in 2025-26.
- Ryan Strome: Despite posting three consecutive 41-point seasons with the Ducks, Strome has seen his role diminish on the team. With younger players like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish surpassing him on the depth chart, Strome now finds himself as a third-line center. His $5 million cap hit also presents a financial challenge for the Ducks, especially as they navigate future contract negotiations with their rising young stars.
- Petr Mrazek: Acquired in the John Gibson trade, Mrazek was brought in as insurance for Lukas Dostal in goal. However, with the signing of Ville Husso to a two-year deal, Mrazek’s role on the team has become expendable. As Dostal looks to solidify his position as the starting goaltender, Mrazek’s $4.25 million cap hit makes him a likely trade deadline candidate for teams in need of goaltending depth.
- Jacob Trouba: While Trouba has been a positive addition to the Ducks since his trade from the New York Rangers, his offensive production has declined, and he no longer plays at the level of a top-pairing defenseman. With a hefty $8 million cap hit in the final year of his contract, the Ducks may look to part ways with Trouba to free up cap space for their upcoming RFAs.
In conclusion, as the Ducks aim to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season, addressing these weak links could help streamline their lineup and create space for their emerging young talent. By making strategic moves to offload these players, the Ducks can position themselves for future success on the ice.
