Ducks Name Maharaj Director of Goaltending, Hire Army and Budaj to NHL Coaching Staff

Ducks Name Maharaj Director of Goaltending, Hire Army and Budaj to NHL Coaching Staff

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The Ducks have promoted Sudarshan Maharaj to Director of Goaltending. In addition, the club has named Tim Army Assistant Coach, Peter Budaj Anaheim’s Goaltending Coach and elevated Julien Tremblay to NHL Player Development. The hirings complete Anaheim’s 2024-25 coaching staff, which includes Head Coach Greg Cronin, Assistant Coaches Tim Army, Richard Clune and Brent Thompson, Goaltending Coach Peter Budaj and Video Coordinator Austin Violette.
Maharaj, 60, will now oversee all aspects of the organization’s goaltending, including coaching, development and scouting. Ducks Goaltending Coach Peter Budaj and San Diego Gulls Goaltending Coach Jeff Glass will both report to Maharaj while supporting the club’s goaltending objectives.
Maharaj will enter his 12th season with Anaheim in 2024-25, serving as Anaheim’s Goaltending Coach the past seven seasons (2017-24), while he joined the organization in 2013-14 as a consultant focused on the club’s AHL affiliates in San Diego and Norfolk for four seasons (2013-17). Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023, Maharaj is now cancer-free after a very low chance of survival. He faced long odds undergoing major surgery removing his entire gallbladder, parts of his small intestines, pancreas and stomach, with 11 rounds of chemotherapy and numerous other challenges throughout his courageous fight. 
A native of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Maharaj spent eight seasons with the New York Islanders from 2003-06 (Goaltending Coach) and 2009-12 (Goaltending Consultant). He also helped develop the National Goaltending Development Program for Hockey Canada (2005-07) and served as Goaltending Consultant for the Korean national team in preparation for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.
Budaj, 41, joins Anaheim following two-plus seasons as Goaltending Coach for the Colorado Eagles, the Colorado Avalanche’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL). Budaj joined the Eagles midway through the 2021-22 season.
Budaj was selected by Colorado in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2001 NHL Draft, compiling a 17-year professional career and 368 NHL games with the Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning. He posted a 158-132-40 record in the NHL, posting 18 shutouts, a 2.70 goals-against average (GAA) and .904 save percentage (SV%).
A native of Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, Budaj also appeared in 241 career AHL contests, posting a 105-90-34 record with the Hershey Bears, St. John’s IceCaps, Syracuse Crunch and Ontario Reign. He was named the AHL’s Best Goaltender in 2015-16 season, leading the league in wins (42-14-5), GAA (1.75), SV% (.932) and shutouts (9). Internationally, Budaj represented Slovakia at three Winter Olympics (2006, 2010, 2014) while appearing in two World Championships (2008, 2010), two World Junior Championships (2001, 2002) and the 2000 U-18 World Championship.
Army, 61, has more than 35 years of coaching experience, including 15 as an Assistant Coach in the NHL and 14 as a Head Coach in the AHL and NCAA. Army served as an Assistant Coach with Anaheim for the club’s first four seasons from 1993-97, in addition to Washington (1997-02) and Colorado (2011-17).
The Providence, R.I. native has amassed a 256-204-97 record (.547) in 557 games in two stints as a Head Coach in the AHL. Army spent five seasons as the Head Coach of the Iowa Wild (AHL) from 2018-23, leading the team to a 157-115-45 record in 317 games. He helped the club to two postseason appearances in the three seasons where the AHL conducted the Calder Cup Playoffs (2019 and 2020 playoffs not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Army also served as Head Coach with the Portland Pirates of the AHL from 2002-05, leading the club to a 99-89-52 record in 240 games and reaching the playoffs in two of his three seasons.
Army served as an Assistant Coach with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL in 2017-18 between his stints with the Avalanche and Wild. Army spent six seasons as Head Coach of his alma mater Providence College from 2005-11. His first coaching position was an Assistant Coach at Providence College (1987-1993) after playing one year of professional hockey in 1985-86.
Internationally, Army was an Assistant Coach with Team USA at three World Championships (1994, 1996 and 2013) and  2004 World Cup, and served as Head Coach at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial. He was Associate Coach for China during their 2026 Olympic qualifying in 2023-24.
Selected by Colorado in the ninth round (171st overall) of the 1981 NHL Draft, Army played hockey at Providence College for four years, captaining the club his season to the Friars’ first Hockey East championship and the 1985 NCAA Finals. He scored 71-107=178 points in 151 career NCAA games in four seasons, completing his senior season as a Hobey Baker Award finalist and being named to the All-Hockey East First Team and an ACHA East First Team All-American. He was inducted to the Providence Hall of Fame in 1997.

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Ducks add veterans Fabbri, Dumoulin to aid young, developing core

Ducks add veterans Fabbri, Dumoulin to aid young, developing core

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After the NHL Draft, free agency and other offseason moves, NHL.com is examining where each team stands in preparation for the 2024-25 regular season, which starts Oct. 4. Today, the Anaheim Ducks:
2023-24 season: 27-50-5, seventh in Pacific Division
Key arrivals
Robby Fabbri, F: The 28-year-old was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings along with a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on July 3 in exchange for goalie Gage Alexander. Fabbri matched his NHL career high with 18 goals last season and had 32 points, his most since he had 37 in his rookie season with the St. Louis Blues in 2015-16. … Brian Dumoulin, D: The 32-year-old was acquired from the Seattle Kraken on July 2 for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He helped the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. … Jansen Harkins, F: The 27-year-old was signed to a two-year contract on July 2. He had his best NHL season with the Winnipeg Jets in 2021-22 with 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 77 games.
Key departures
Jakob Silfverberg, F: The 33-year-old retired after 12 seasons in the NHL, the past 11 with Anaheim. He scored at least 20 goals in four of the five seasons from 2015 to 2020, but only reached double figures in goals once in the past four seasons. … Max Jones, F: Signed with the Boston Bruins after the Ducks did not extend a qualifying offer. The No. 24 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, Jones spent six seasons in Anaheim. He had his best season in 2022-23 with 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 69 games.
On the cusp
Cutter Gauthier, F: The 20-year-old played the final game of the regular season for the Ducks after concluding his season at Boston College. He won the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year Award last season, which USA Hockey annually awards to the top American-born men’s college player. … Tristan Luneau, D: The 20-year-old made the Ducks out of camp last season and played seven games from Oct. 19 to Dec. 7, contributing a goal and two assists. A viral infection caused him to miss the World Junior Championship later that winter; that illness developed into an infection in his knee, ending his season. … Pavol Regenda, F: The 24-year-old was third on San Diego of the American Hockey League with 19 goals in 54 games last season and was rewarded with a one-year, two-way contract on July 5. Regenda played five games with Anaheim in March but did not have any points. … Sam Colangelo, F: The 22-year-old had four points (one goal, three assists) in four games with San Diego before appearing in three games with the Ducks at the end of last season. He scored in his NHL debut, a 6-3 loss to the Calgary Flames on April 12. … Nikita Nesterenko, F: The 23-year-old had 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) in 70 games with San Diego last season and scored a goal in his three-game stint with the Ducks in April.

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2024-25 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Anaheim Ducks’ Top 10

2024-25 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Anaheim Ducks’ Top 10

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Welcome back.

It’s time to kick off Daily Faceoff’s second annual NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown, looking at the best all 32 teams have to offer. We’re highlighting the top 10 prospects for every franchise, their biggest strengths and weaknesses and so much more.

The criteria for being labeled a “prospect” are simple: players generally have to have played in 50 or fewer NHL games or spent more time outside of the NHL than in it last year. Players over 23 years old are not included.

Today, we’re looking at the Anaheim Ducks.

From a future standpoint, the 2023-24 season was a big one in Orange County. The Ducks still finished 30th in the NHL, but Leo Carlsson, Pavel Mintyukov, Jackson LaCombe, Olen Zellweger and Lukas Dostal all saw their first serious NHL duty, making up a big portion of the team’s core.

And yet, the Ducks still have a bucketload of quality talent on the way, aided by their third overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft when they took Beckett Sennecke. But what really helped this team push forward and build one of the best pipelines in the NHL was adding Cutter Gauthier in a trade after the 2024 World Juniors. Jamie Drysdale was an expensive piece to give up, but Gauthier was viewed as one of the best players outside the NHL before eventually making his debut before the end of the season.

The Ducks have at least one notable prospect at every position, which is really exciting. When you combine their young core already, plus some good value on the draft floor in recent years, it can make up for the fact that many of the team’s other previous young stars – Sam Steel, Maxime Comtois, Max Jones, Josh Mahura and Antoine Morand – never really panned out for them.

It’s seriously an exciting time for a franchise that hopes to challenge for a playoff spot sooner rather than later. And it’s only just getting started.

Biggest Strength

There might not be another team with as much notable depth in their pipeline as Anaheim. They’ve got good support centers in Lucas Pettersson and Nathan Gaucher to go along with some of their existing talent; Gauthier and Sennecke are both going to be top-six wingers. Zellweger, Stian Solberg, Tristan Luneau and Rodwin Dionicio are all stout blueliners with their own sets of skills; and Damian Clara looks like a future NHL goaltender. That’s what happens when you’re near the bottom of the standings year after year, but also when you find good value outside of the first round, too.

Biggest Weakness

The Ducks have a lot of good centers, but they’re missing more natural wingers. I expect Gauthier to move to the wing, but outside of maybe just Sennecke, there aren’t many others in the system that have a shot of being an impact NHLer. They have some decent options now, but if Trevor Zegras gets moved, snagging a skilled winger in return wouldn’t hurt.

TOP 10 PROSPECTS

Olen Zellweger (Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports)

Acquired: Traded by Philadelphia for Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick in 2024

It’s hard to call Gauthier a gift, given they had to trade one of their best young defensemen to make it happen. But the Ducks might now have the best prospect in hockey, someone who put everyone on notice last year. The 20-year-old was named top forward at the World Junior Championship after leading the United States to a gold medal with a tournament-leading 10 assists. He then led the NCAA with 38 goals en route to a Hockey East championship and a finalist spot for the Hobey Baker Award. With Gauthier’s mix of confidence and skill, I have every reason to believe he’ll be a star sooner rather than later. And, maybe, he’ll be one of the biggest reasons why Anaheim is challenging for Stanley Cups before the turn of the decade. The biggest question, to me, is whether Gauthier slots down the middle or on the wing. He has significant experience at both, and has the physical traits you’d look for out of a center, but I’d love to see him as a finisher on a line with Zegras or Carlsson. Regardless, it’s an excellent position to be in, and I have no doubt Gauthier will be challenging for the Calder Trophy in 2024-25.

Acquired: Drafted No. 34, second round in 2021

Zellweger got his first taste of the NHL last year, playing in 26 games in the second half – just enough to not make him eligible for the Calder Trophy. He’s set to challenge for a full-time roster spot in 2024-25, where he’ll look to be a notable offensive contributor in the way the Ducks wanted Drysdale to be. Zellweger could easily register 30-plus points next year, especially if he gets the power-play time he’s capable of exploiting. Few young defenders cause as much damage as Zellweger does, and it’s thoroughly entertaining to watch.

Acquired: Drafted No. 3, first round in 2024

Beckett Sennecke (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)

Sennecke looked shocked that he was taken third overall in the draft last month after watching his draft stock skyrocket as the season wore on. Was it a risky play for the Ducks? Maybe, but they’re banking on him truly developing into this overwhelming forward who can score, hit and outthink opponents with ease. He stands tall at 6-foot-2, plays a menacing game built on power, and continues to hone in his own abilities. And that’s huge, given his game was built on highlight-reel, ankle-breaking plays for so long. Add in the muscle and the way he drives the net and it makes him extremely difficult to contain.

4. Stian Solberg, LHD, 18 (Farjestad BK, SHL)

Acquired: Drafted No. 23, first round in 2024

The Ducks already have a couple of young, puck-moving blueliners in their system, so adding Solberg – one of the most violent players from the 2024 draft – into the system was a nice win. He’s 6-foot-2, 205 pounds and loves to punish anyone who gets near him. Solberg projects himself as a defensive defender who can handle penalty-kill assignments, but he’s also more than capable of playing heavy shutdown minutes against just about anyone. The fact that nothing seems to bother Solberg is exciting, especially given how much he improved this year. The move to Sweden will be big for Solberg’s development.

5. Lucas Pettersson, C, 18 (MoDo, SHL)

Drafted: No. 35, second round in 2024

As a centerman, Pettersson plays a stout two-way game and has really shown more confidence as the season has worn on. The U-18 World Championship was an excellent opportunity for Pettersson to step up for Sweden, helping them win bronze after putting in some great performances in the playoff round. Pettersson can fly around the ice and has gotten better at using that to steal pucks in tight. He’s also a solid penalty killer, too. The good thing about Pettersson is he can do a bit of everything out there, which makes him a versatile option for the Ducks.

6. Nathan Gaucher, C, 20 (San Diego, AHL)

Drafted: No. 22, first round in 2022

Nathan Gaucher (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Gaucher isn’t going to be a big-time producer in the NHL and that’s OK. They have guys like that already. Instead, the rugged center brings a nice 6-foot-3 frame, good footwork and an unrelenting forecheck that makes him so tough to defend against. As a bottom-six forward, Gaucher is detailed-oriented enough to play a variety of roles in the NHL, and he has a good enough shot to make himself useful, too. I could see Gaucher playing in the NHL sooner rather than later.

7. Tristan Luneau, RHD, 20 (San Diego, AHL)

Drafted: No. 53, second round in 2022

Last year was a bit of a mixed bag for Luneau, who saw himself limited to just 13 games played between Anaheim and San Diego. Injuries meant the push to the pro game was hampered heavily, which was a shame, given he played well enough to start the year with the Ducks. So he’ll go back to playing some catch-up next year, but his Draft+1 year with Gatineau was so good that he earned top defenseman honors in the QMJHL.

8. Rodwin Dionicio, LHD, 20 (EHC Biel-Bienne, NL)

Drafted: No. 129, fifth round in 2023

Dionicio had a massive year in the OHL, registering 25 goals and 73 points to go along with 108 penalty minutes between Windsor and Saginaw. He won the Memorial Cup after registering a point per game between the playoffs and the tournament itself. Dionicio was also one of the top defensemen at the World Juniors, although Switzerland was eliminated in the quarterfinal. An overage draft pick last year, Dionicio has come a long way already, and he’s set to begin his pro career in Switzerland next year. Maybe we’ll see him make the move to San Diego the following year before potentially challenging for an NHL roster spot at 22 years old. Either way, I like him.

9. Damian Clara, G, 19 (Farjestad BK, SHL)

Drafted: No. 60, second round in 2023

Clara became the first drafted, and now signed goaltender to ever come out of Italy, so there’s a lot of people excited to see what he can do. He had a fantastic season with Brynas in the Allsvenskan and he’s set to share the net with former NHL goaltender Maxime Lagace in Farjestad this coming season. At 6-foot-2 and with incredible athleticism, Clara is viewed as one of the best goaltending prospects in the game today. By the time John Gibson eventually leaves, Clara might be ready to make a serious push in the NHL.

10. Maxim Massé, RW, 18 (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)

Acquired: Drafted No. 66, third round in 2024

Maxim Masse (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)

Massé led Chicoutimi with 36 goals and 75 points, using his 6-foot-2 frame to his advantage out there. He was a shot generation machine, registering five or more quite often this year. Masse is a good two-way player with good energy. His skating is lacking compared to others this high in the draft, but there’s been an improvement over the past 12 months. I do wonder if he’s rounded enough to find a spot in the Ducks’ lineup if he isn’t in a scoring role, though.

Other Notables: Sasha Pastujov LW (20), Nico Myatovic, LW (19), Noah Warren, RHD (19), Coulson Pitre, RW (19), Carey Terrance, C (19), Yegor Sidorov, RW (20), Austin Burnevik, RW (19), Ian Moore, RHD (22), Vojtech Port, RHD (18), Darels Uljanskis, LHD (17), Tarin Smith, LHD (18), Alexandre Blais, C (18), Ethan Procyszyn, RW (17)

Recently by Steven Ellis

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“Still Scoring Ducks, Never Change”: Shahid Afridi’s No Show Sparks Social Media Meltdown

“Still Scoring Ducks, Never Change”: Shahid Afridi’s No Show Sparks Social Media Meltdown

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Shahid Afridi failed to live up to expectations as he notched up a golden duck.© Fancode


Pakistan cricket great Shahid Afridi received a rousing reception as he walked out to bat for his team in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) fixture against India at Edgbaston. Both teams came into the match unbeaten after clinching back-to-back victories. After put into bat by the India champions, Pakistan champions rode on openers Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal’s 145 run-stand to post 243/4 in 20 overs. Sharjeel (72) and Akmal (77) laid the foundation of the match-winning total, before Sohaib Maqsood added to team’s total with a quickfire 50.After the departure of the trio, it was former Pakistan captain Afridi’s turn to entertain the crowd, with the 22,000 spectators inside Edgbaston giving him a raucous reception.He was welcomed with ‘Afridi Afridi’ chants at the famous venue. However, the explosive former batter failed to live up to expectations as he notched up a golden duck.His now show sparked a social media meltdown. Afridi was dismissed by Dhawal Kulkarni in the 18th over of Pakistan champions’ innings.Here’s the video:Here’s how internet reacted:Ahead of the highly-anticipated match, all the 23,000 seats were sold out at the Edgbaston.Approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the World Championship of Legends that got underway at Edgbaston on July 3 will run through July 18, as per an official release by the WCL.Prior to the match between India and Pakistan, members of the two teams have conveyed their excitement and resolve.”Playing Pakistan is always an honor and tomorrow’s game is no exception. On the field our squad is fired up and prepared to give it our all. We hope that our performance will make the fans proud because of their amazing energy and support,” former India batter Suresh Raina had said before the match. “We are excited to play India in this esteemed tournament, our longtime competition. Our group has put in a lot of preparation and we are sure we can put on an amazing show. For us, it’s about pride and passion for both the sport and our nation, it’s not just a game,” Pakistan champions skipper Younis Khan had added.

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“Still Scoring Ducks, Never Change”: Shahid Afridi’s No Show Sparks Social Media Meltdown

“Still Scoring Ducks, Never Change”: Shahid Afridi’s No Show Sparks Social Media Meltdown

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Pakistan cricket great Shahid Afridi received a rousing reception as he walked out to bat for his team in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) fixture against India at Edgbaston. Both teams came into the match unbeaten after clinching back-to-back victories. After put into bat by the India champions, Pakistan champions rode on openers Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal’s 145 run-stand to post 243/4 in 20 overs. Sharjeel (72) and Akmal (77) laid the foundation of the match-winning total, before Sohaib Maqsood added to team’s total with a quickfire 50.

After the departure of the trio, it was former Pakistan captain Afridi’s turn to entertain the crowd, with the 22,000 spectators inside Edgbaston giving him a raucous reception.He was welcomed with ‘Afridi Afridi’ chants at the famous venue. However, the explosive former batter failed to live up to expectations as he notched up a golden duck.His now show sparked a social media meltdown. Afridi was dismissed by Dhawal Kulkarni in the 18th over of Pakistan champions’ innings.Here’s the video:
@SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/qoBUSdThMr
— CricMe (@CricketMelb) July 7, 2024
Here’s how internet reacted:
May be they laughing cuz their father got on a duck. 0 and Shahid Afridi always go hand in hand. pic.twitter.com/OCFM83bCys
— Kida Nirmani (@Bumble_b98) July 7, 2024

Big 2024 and Shahid Afridi still scoring golden ducks-This is Shahid Afridi heritage. pic.twitter.com/vwMQKKiOxf
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) July 6, 2024

Something Never Change*History repeats once again Shahid afridi Dismissed for BIG DUCK @sabine_kayani @agentjay2009 pic.twitter.com/uc6ZAZskHl
— itx_ShAry (@ItxShary) July 6, 2024

Shahid Afridi out FIRST BALL DUCK against Indian Champions.#AFRIDI10 #INDVSPAK #INDvSA #INDVSZIM #PAKISTANCHAMPIONS #PakistanCricket #INDvsPAK https://t.co/tMygAWfdUZ pic.twitter.com/AhnjB0yqad
— Apex Sports (#BA56) (@NewsSports_35) July 6, 2024

Everything is temporary but Shahid Afridi scoring a golden duck is constant #PakistanCricket #Pakistan #ShahidAfridi pic.twitter.com/qsV7IigUbE
— Noman Speaks (@nomanibrahimm) July 6, 2024
Ahead of the highly-anticipated match, all the 23,000 seats were sold out at the Edgbaston.Approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the World Championship of Legends that got underway at Edgbaston on July 3 will run through July 18, as per an official release by the WCL.Prior to the match between India and Pakistan, members of the two teams have conveyed their excitement and resolve.”Playing Pakistan is always an honor and tomorrow’s game is no exception. On the field our squad is fired up and prepared to give it our all. We hope that our performance will make the fans proud because of their amazing energy and support,” former India batter Suresh Raina had said before the match.”We are excited to play India in this esteemed tournament, our longtime competition. Our group has put in a lot of preparation and we are sure we can put on an amazing show. For us, it’s about pride and passion for both the sport and our nation, it’s not just a game,” Pakistan champions skipper Younis Khan had added.

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Ducks Rumors: 8 Teams Interested in Trevor Zegras – NHL Trade Rumors

Ducks Rumors: 8 Teams Interested in Trevor Zegras – NHL Trade Rumors

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Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras is one of the top trade candidates who still has not been moved. The skilled forward would be a huge pickup for any club looking to add a star to their top six, and he is naturally generating a lot of interest around the league because of it.According to The Fourth Period, the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, and Buffalo Sabres are currently in the mix for Zegras. The Canadiens and Flyers have been heavily connected to Zegras since this past season, so it is not shocking in the slightest that they remain in the sweepstakes. The Bruins could use another top-six winger after losing Jake DeBrusk through free agency, so it is understandable that they have Zegras on their radar. The Blackhawks have made several additions to their roster this summer, and adding Zegras would be a perfect way to end their summer. The Rangers have had na underwhelming offseason and could use another top-six winger in their lineup. Zegras would provide them with a big upgrade if he bounced back in NYC. The Flames could use a player like Zegras on their roster as they continue their retool. The same can be said for Buffalo, as they are desperately trying to break their playoff drought.photo credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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Report: Anaheim Ducks “Big” Offers to 2 Huge Free Agents Fell Flat – NHL Trade Rumors

Report: Anaheim Ducks “Big” Offers to 2 Huge Free Agents Fell Flat – NHL Trade Rumors

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With $31 million in cap space, the Anaheim Ducks went into free agency last week with the intention of bringing in some high-end talent. That never materialized, but it turns out, at least, they didn’t go down without a fight.According to Eric Stephens in The Athletic, the Ducks tried for two of the biggest fish in the pond this summer:The Athletic learned from league sources that the Ducks made big offers to Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, both of whom ultimately signed in Nashville. The Ducks took their swings. They just didn’t connect.Certainly, there is a lot of high-end young talent on the roster, from young forward Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier, to the newly-welcomed No. 3 overall pick Beckett Sennecke and another 2024 first-rounder Stian Solberg. But the Ducks have been floundering near the bottom of the league for six years now, and needed a big summer to accelerate their rebuild. Unfortunately, the years of losing do not make them a premium free agent destination. “I’m at a point in my career, I just don’t want to play hockey games,” Marchessault told TSN. “I want to win hockey games. Going (to Nashville), everybody’s on the same page and we want to win. Definitely excited to get there.”GM Pat Verbeek will now have to look elsewhere to improve his squad in Anaheim, and with that, we’ll keep an eye on the Ducks in the trade market going forward. Stevens makes bold suggestions such as Mitch Marner and/or Martin Necas as big-name targets. Photo: © Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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Anaheim Ducks Re-Sign Pavol Regenda

Anaheim Ducks Re-Sign Pavol Regenda

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Shortly after signing their first-round selections from the 2024 NHL Draft, the Anaheim Ducks got to work on some of their internal restricted free agents. The organization announced they have signed forward Pavol Regenda to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2024-25 NHL season worth a league minimum $775K salary at the NHL level.
Regenda will enter his third season with the Ducks organization after signing as an international free agent on June 1st, 2022. In the two years before his initial deal with Anaheim, Regenda suited up in 93 games for HK Dukla Michalovce in Slovakia where he collected 26 goals and 64 points. Regenda has also joined Team Slovakia in the last three World Championships where he has scored six goals and eight assists in 23 tournament games.
The Michalovce, Slovakia native is becoming quite the secondary scorer in the Ducks organization as he’s collected 32 goals and 59 points in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls over 104 regular season games. Regenda has finished eighth and seventh in scoring for the Gulls in back-to-back years, respectively, but the team has failed to qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs throughout his tenure.
Regenda may find a spot on Anaheim’s bottom six this upcoming season to provide additional offense as a physically capable power forward. The Slovakian winger may be a solid candidate to replace Ross Johnston on the team’s fourth line but could use more seasoning at the AHL level.

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Ducks Sign First-Round Pick Solberg to Entry-Level Contract

Ducks Sign First-Round Pick Solberg to Entry-Level Contract

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The Ducks have signed defenseman Stian Solberg to a three-year entry-level contract.
Solberg, 18 (12/29/05), was selected by Anaheim in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. He scored 5-10=15 points with 47 penalty minutes (PIM) and a +2 rating in 42 games with Valerenga of the Eliteserien, Norway’s top professional league. He finished first in scoring among all skaters aged 18 or younger, while his 15 points are also the fourth-most by a defenseman 18 or younger in league history.
The 6-2, 205-pound defenseman also posted 1-3=4 points in 18 games for Valerenga in 2022-23, the most by a skater aged 18 or younger. In 71 career Eliteserien games, Solberg recorded 6-14=20 points with 59 PIM and a +4 rating. He becomes the second-highest ever player to be drafted out of Norway, following 2024 15th overall selection Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
The Oslo, Norway native represented Norway at the 2024 IIHF World Championships, tallying 2-1=3 points in seven tournament games, and also the 2024 World Junior Championship, where he recorded 1-1=2 points in five games. He also appeared at the 2023 U-18 World Championship, earning one assist (0-1=1) in six games.

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Sennecke, No. 3 pick of 2024 Draft, signs entry-level contract with Ducks

Sennecke, No. 3 pick of 2024 Draft, signs entry-level contract with Ducks

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Beckett Sennecke, the No. 3 pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.
“I think the expectations are a big thing,” Sennecke said Friday following the conclusion of Anaheim’s development camp. “I’m the third overall pick now, so that comes with a lot of high expectations, not just from everyone else, but from myself as well. So I’m planning to live up to that.”
The 18-year-old forward had 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists) in 63 regular-season games for Oshawa of the Ontario Hockey League last season, and led all draft-eligible skaters in goals (10) and points (22) over 18 games during the OHL Playoffs.
Sennecke led Oshawa in game-winning goals (seven) and shots (207). The Toronto, Ontario, native also ranked second on the team in plus-minus, third in scoring, fourth in assists and fifth in goals.
Sennecke (6-3, 182 pounds), was named to the OHL Second All-Rookie Team in 2022-23 for Oshawa after recording 55 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 61 games, tied for first among rookies in assists and second in scoring.
“It’s been a whirlwind for sure, but I think it finally kind of settled down these last couple of days,” Sennecke said of development camp. “It was a pretty demanding camp, but it was fun and I learned a lot, so that’s the most important part.”
Stian Solberg, the Ducks’ other first-round pick (No. 23) in the 2024 Draft, also signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Anaheim on Friday.
The 18-year-old defenseman from Oslo, Norway, had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 42 games last season for Valerenga of the Eliteserien, Norway’s top professional league. Stolberg (6-1, 205) was first in scoring among all skaters 18 or younger, and his 15 points were the fourth-most by a defenseman 18 or younger in league history.

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