Ducks Unveil Exciting Roster for 2025-26 Season Opener
An Insight into the Anaheim Ducks’ Exciting 2025-26 Season-Opening Roster
The Anaheim Ducks have unveiled their roster for the 2025-26 season, showcasing a dynamic mix of talent that promises to engage fans and bring fresh prospects to the ice. This roster features an impressive blend of nine draft selections, five free agent acquisitions, eight players acquired through trades, and one waiver claim. Structured with precision, the lineup includes 14 forwards, six defensemen, and three goaltenders, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Highlighting First-Round Picks in the Roster
Among the roster’s standout players are four first-round draft picks, each chosen within the top ten. These young talents exemplify the Ducks’ commitment to building a competitive team:
- Beckett Sennecke: Selected third overall in 2024
- Leo Carlsson: Selected second overall in 2023
- Pavel Mintyukov: Selected 10th overall in 2022
- Mason McTavish: Selected third overall in 2021
Additionally, the roster features six other first-round selections, including:
- Cutter Gauthier: Fifth overall by Philadelphia in 2022
- Ryan Poehling: 25th overall by Montreal in 2017
- Jacob Trouba: Ninth overall by Winnipeg in 2012
- Ryan Strome: Fifth overall by NY Islanders in 2011
- Mikael Granlund: Ninth overall by Minnesota in 2010
- Chris Kreider: 19th overall by NY Rangers in 2009
Young Talent and Veteran Experience Drive Anaheim’s Strategy
The Ducks are also fielding a youthful roster, with four players aged 21 and younger:
- Beckett Sennecke (19)
- Leo Carlsson (20)
- Cutter Gauthier (21)
- Pavel Mintyukov (21)
In total, 10 players on the roster are 24 and under, including:
- Mason McTavish (22)
- Olen Zellweger (22)
- Sam Colangelo (23)
- Jackson LaCombe (24)
- Drew Helleson (24)
- Nikita Nesterenko (24)
Key Transactions Shaping Anaheim’s Roster
The Ducks’ roster is not only bolstered by their own draft skills but also features notable transactions:
- Chris Kreider acquired via trade from the New York Rangers
- Ryan Poehling acquired via trade from Philadelphia
- Petr Mrazek acquired via trade from Detroit
- Mikael Granlund signed as a free agent on July 1, 2025
Returning Players and Upcoming Games for the Ducks
A total of 18 players returning from last season’s roster, which includes 10 of the top 11 point leaders, adds stability and cohesion to the team. The Ducks are set to kick off their regular season on the road, starting with two away games:
- Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Seattle Kraken (7 p.m. PT, Stream/TV: Victory+ exclusive; Audio: Ducks Stream)
- Saturday, Oct. 11 at San Jose (7 p.m. PT, Stream/TV: Victory+ exclusive; Audio: Ducks Stream)
They will host their highly anticipated Home Opener on Tuesday, Oct. 14 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Honda Center, starting at 7:30 p.m. (Stream/TV: Victory+ and FOX 11 KTTV; Audio: Ducks Stream).
Development of Young Players with San Diego Gulls
Before finalizing the season-opening roster, the Ducks made strategic assignments of defenseman Ian Moore and center Tim Washe to the San Diego Gulls, the team’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL), ensuring a robust development pipeline for future seasons.
The Anaheim Ducks are geared up for an exciting 2025-26 season, as they blend young prospects with seasoned veterans in their quest for success. This carefully curated roster reflects their strategic vision, setting the stage for thrilling hockey ahead.
