Breaking NHL Signing: Anaheim Ducks Bring Back Another RFA On Multi-Year Contract

One day after locking up a key piece of their core in goaltender Lukas Dostal to a five-year deal, the Anaheim Ducks have agreed to terms with another restricted free agent, defenseman Drew Helleson.

Let's celly, Helly!

Drew Helleson has signed a two-year contract. #FlyTogether https://t.co/naLUxYJUfO
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) July 18, 2025

It's a two-year contract worth $2.2 million ($1.1 million AAV), thereby avoiding arbitration. The Ducks still have over $23 million in cap space.

Helleson, 24, stepped in in his freshman year and simply led all NHL rookie defensemen in plus/minus, posting a +6, while averaging 16:21 of ice time per night across his 56 games, with 99 hits, 73 blocked shots and 13 points.

The former second-round pick (47th overall, 2019 NHL Draft, by Colorado) was named to the NHL All-Rookie Third Team, and even got some down-ballot votes for the Calder Trophy.

The 6-3, 213-pound d-man was acquired by the Ducks from the Avalanche along with a 2023 second-round selection for Josh Manson in 2022. In his three years at Boston College, Helleson recorded 46 points with a +26 rating in 82 NCAA games.

The big right-shot blueliner is best known for his defense, using his size and reach, but is also a strong two-way defender. In his final year in college, he recorded 25 points in 32 games.

The Minnesota native also had a strong 2021 World Junior Championship with Team USA, helping them to the Gold Medal with four points and a +9 rating in seven games.