NHL Rumors: Ducks Could Trade Defense Prospects For Scoring Help

Friday, August 29, 2025
Anaheim Ducks jersey.

The Anaheim Ducks are overflowing with young defensemen and according to Eric Stephens of The Athletic, that depth could become the key to unlocking much-needed offensive help. 

With Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas both entering contract years and Anaheim’s blue line pipeline stacked with names like Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, Tristan Luneau, Jackson LaCombe, and Stian Solberg, the Ducks have an enviable surplus on the back end.

Ducks Exploring Forward Trade Market

Stephens noted that Anaheim has already been linked to high-end forwards such as Jason Robertson and Martin Necas. While the Ducks were briefly tied to Mitch Marner earlier this summer, the $14 million price tag made little sense for a club still transitioning into contention. Instead, the front office appears focused on younger scoring options who could grow alongside cornerstone pieces like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish.

The timing could be right. If Anaheim is competitive by the 2026 trade deadline, general manager Pat Verbeek may be reluctant to move veterans like Trouba or Gudas, but dealing from a loaded pool of defense prospects makes sense. Converting one or two of those assets into a proven top-six scorer would address the organization’s most glaring need without weakening its long-term stability on the blue line.

Building Around McTavish and Carlsson

Despite outside speculation, the Ducks intend to keep McTavish and see him as a central part of their future. With Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Troy Terry already in place, the foundation of a dangerous top six is being laid. 

Adding another dynamic forward through a prospect-driven trade could push Anaheim closer to playoff contention while balancing a roster that currently leans heavily on its defense.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images 

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