Top-3 Anaheim Ducks' Trade Candidates Heading Into 2026-27
Welcome to NHLTR trade candidates season preview, as we'll go into detail throughout the league on each team's top-3 trade candidates. From big names, bold takes, to expiring contracts, they'll be plenty to cover throughout both the Western, and Eastern Conference.For our first stop, we head down to sunny California and check in with the Anaheim Ducks. General manager Pat Verbeek has been put through the ringer this offseason, having to deal with a Leo Carlsson offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers, a tough contract negotiations with Cutter Gauthier, and the aftermath of having to terminate Chris Kreider's contract, and let him walk.
Heading into the 2026-27 season, here's the top-3 trade candidates to watch in Anaheim:
Alex Killorn
Before Kreider has his contract terminated, Verbeek was listening to trade offers on veteran forward Alex Killorn. The former Stanley Cup champion is entering the final season of his contract, set to earn $6.2 million AAV. He owns a 15-team no-trade clause, and certainly has some say in the matter. Killorn's coming off a 33-point season, and has certainly slowed down in the back nine of his career. If the Ducks aren't in the playoff picture before March's deadline, Killorn will be moved 100%.
Ville Husso
The Ducks are set with Lukas Dostal as their goaltender of the now, and the future, and Husso has to battle with Laurent Brossoit for minutes as the backup. The 31-year-old went 10-8-2 with the Ducks last season, posting a 3.25 goals against average, meanwhile also saw AHL action last year, going 8-6-3 with three shutouts. With three capable goaltender, Husso will be on the radar of teams who deal with goaltending injuries early on this season.
Roger McQueen
The 19-year-old McQueen is one of the Ducks' top prospects. He's blocked by some top-six forwards up front, and with the lack of defense depth throughout the organization, there's a good chance Verbeek sees what kind of young blueliner the Ducks could acquire for McQueen. What about Alexander Nikishin from Carolina?