3 Offseason Changes To Get Anaheim Ducks Back In The Playoffs

The Anaheim Ducks improved a lot from last season to this one, but it wasn't enough to get into the playoffs yet. The team is being serious about adding a high-end coach and they feel like the team has most of the pieces to take another big step into the playoffs in 2025-26. Here are three things that need to happen to give them the best shot.

Permanent Top-6 Minutes for McTavish

The Ducks have three strong centermen, so the lines were a bit spread out. This saw Mason McTavish play on the third line a lot. As the leading goal-scorer and the second leading point producer, that needs to change. He was the best player on the Ducks a lot of nights and he not only needs more ice time, but to play higher in the lineup permanently. Leo Carlsson should be the other top-6 center, but at Ryan Strome's age and with his production declining, it is an easy call to slide him down to third line. The more McTavish, the better.

Acquire a Reliable 1b Goalie

By reliable I mean someone who can stay healthy. With Lukas Dostal taking over as the number one in Anaheim this season and John Gibson getting injured multiple times, a change is needed. Gibson has been rumored in trades for over a year and something should happen there. Bringing in a goalie like Jake Allen or Anton Forsberg could complement Dostal well, not have him play 54 games, and give him breaks.

Add Top-6 Winger

If the right young players take positive steps next season, the Ducks will be in good shape, but they can still make an addition to bolster their lineup. Alex Killron is projected to be on the top line next season and Sam Colangelo is projected to be on the third line next season. Both of those should be altered. Killorn is declining and even though he's a good piece to have, a third line role would suit him better. Colangelo could be mixed into the top-9 at times, but right now, he should battle his way up from the fourth line with all of the strong talent in the forward lineup. If the Ducks add a player on the older end, it shouldn't be for more than 3-4 years. There will be injuries and the fourth line doesn't look strong, so adding higher up in the lineup pushes player down and the roster looks better.