The Anaheim Ducks offseason is underway. Part 1 of this to-do list focuses on signing RFAs, free agent targets, and building team identity.
Anaheim Ducks Offseason To-Do List: Part 1 – RFAs, Free Agents, and Identity
The Anaheim Ducks offseason is officially underway, and the pressure is on. After another year of hitting the golf course early, General Manager Pat Verbeek faces a substantial to-do list. A 21-point improvement in the standings was promising, but this team is still rebuilding. In the wake of Greg Cronin’s firing, more responsibility now rests on Verbeek’s shoulders. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we focus on three priority items: signing restricted free agents, identifying free agent targets, and defining the team’s identity and leadership core.
1. Lock Down Key RFAs
The first priority this summer is signing the team’s restricted free agents. Mason McTavish and Lukas Dostal headline the group.
Must Have RFAs
- Mason McTavish: McTavish, the 2021 third-overall pick, is coming off his entry-level contract. In the 2024–25 season, he set career highs with 21 goals and 29 assists, totaling 50 points. His performance in the second half of the season was particularly impressive, leading the team in goals and showcasing his potential as a top-six centre. Given his trajectory, a bridge deal in the range of $5.5–7 million annually over two to three years seems plausible; he is already performing at the level of a $5 million AAV player according to The Athletic. This would be similar to a deal Trevor Zegras signed. This approach would also allow the Ducks to manage cap space while allowing McTavish to further establish himself. Of course, the Ducks would love to lock him down long-term. If McTavish is open to the $8-9 million AAV range, the Ducks would be wise to sign this key piece for the next 7 to 8 years.
- Lukas Dostal: Dostal, 24, is entering restricted free agency after completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $812,500. He demonstrated full-time starter upside this season, and securing his services with a multi-year extension would provide stability in the net. A contract reflecting his development and potential as a starting goaltender would be a prudent move for the Ducks. Verbeek would be wise to negotiate this AAV below $6 million. Adin Hill signed a 2-year, $4.9 million AAV contract, and that was after winning a Stanley Cup. In fact, no goalies with similar statistics and advanced stats to Dostal even break the $5 million AAV. However, Verbeek believes in Dostal and would be willing to pay him to keep him.
Should Sign RFAs
- Sam Colangelo: Colangelo, 23, is coming off a two-year entry-level contract with a cap hit of $925,000. Thanks to a strong finish to the season, he scored 10 goals and 2 assists in 32 NHL games, ranking third among all NHL rookies in goals per game. His performance suggests he has earned another contract with the Ducks. However, Verbeek must be careful of recency bias and strong performances once the games did not mean as much. Colangelo showed strong chemistry with the Ducks other young forwards. Verbeek should look to re-sign Colangelo for under $3 million AAV.
- Tim Washe : Additionally, the Ducks recently signed the captain of the NCAA national champions, Tim Washe, to a one-year entry-level contract. Washe, a 23-year-old centre from Western Michigan University, led his team to its first national championship and was recognized for his defensive prowess and faceoff skills. For a team that finished dead last in faceoff win percentage, Washe should be a must-sign in the $1-2 million AAV range.
At the Right Price RFA
- Drew Helleson: Helleson, 24, completed his three-year entry-level contract with a cap hit of $925,000. In the 2024–25 season, he recorded 4 goals and 9 assists in 41 games. As a right-shot defenceman, he plays the side where the Ducks don’t have an abundance of D men (The Ducks are stacked on the left side of defence). However, many won’t be convinced Helleson fits the top 6 of Anaheim’s blue line, especially in the context of the playoffs.
2. Free Agent Targets Must Fit the Plan
Once the RFAs are sorted, attention turns to free agency. Fortunately, the Anaheim Ducks have plenty of capital, but spending it wisely is key.
The Ducks should avoid overcommitting to veterans whose timelines don’t match the current core. Instead, they need players who fill gaps in the team—a top-six winger that can score and an experienced right-hand defender that can kill penalties would be ideal. A faceoff specialist would be especially helpful too.
Here are some potential free agent targets the Anaheim Ducks could consider during the 2025 offseason:
- Brock Boeser (RW, Vancouver Canucks): Boeser, 28, is a proven goal scorer who could enhance the Ducks’ power play and overall offensive depth. His ability to find the back of the net would be a welcome addition to Anaheim’s forward corps.
- Nikolaj Ehlers (RW/LW, Winnipeg Jets): Ehlers, 29, is a dynamic winger known for his speed and offensive prowess. With the Jets reportedly noncommittal about his future, Ehlers could be a valuable addition to the Ducks’ top-six forward group, providing both scoring and experience.
- Aaron Ekblad (D, Florida Panthers): Ekblad, 29, is a right-shot defenceman with top-pairing experience. Given the Ducks’ need to strengthen their right side on defence, Ekblad’s leadership and two-way play could provide immediate stability and mentorship for younger blueliners.
3. Define the Identity and Leadership Group
Every successful team needs a clear identity. Right now, Anaheim’s remains fuzzy. Establishing one is the next step in the Anaheim Ducks offseason blueprint.
The Ducks must clarify their direction, and Pat Verbeek made a declarative statement regarding that: “I see this team at a point to where my expectation of this team is to make the playoffs next season.”
Leadership plays a central role in this identity shift. The Ducks haven’t had a clear culture since Ryan Getzlaf retired, and while Radko Gudas wore the “C” this past season, the organization must now ask whether he truly represents the future of this group. Gudas was a stabilizing veteran presence in 2024–25 and brought much-needed grit. However, naming him captain beyond this season would be a short-sighted move. He’s 34 years old and has just one year remaining on his contract at $4 million. While respected, Gudas (should) play bottom-pair minutes and isn’t part of the Ducks’ core moving forward. His leadership helped bridge a young roster through transition — but the Ducks need to pass the torch to someone who will lead them into their next competitive window.
Captain Options
Each of the following players represents a different kind of captain, but all share one thing: they are part of Anaheim’s long-term vision.
- Mason McTavish – The Emotional Leader: McTavish plays like a future captain already. He’s physical, vocal, and leads by example. This season, he posted a team-best 21 goals and embraced a bigger role on both sides of the puck. If Anaheim wants a culture rooted in compete level and accountability, McTavish fits the bill.
- Leo Carlsson – The Cornerstone Centre: Despite being only 19, Carlsson showed elite poise and maturity all season. He plays tough minutes and carries himself like a veteran. Making him captain would be a long-term investment, similar to how Florida backed Barkov early. It’s bold, but it aligns with building around a franchise centre.
- Trevor Zegras – The High-Profile Face: Zegras may be untraditional, but he’s maturing. After a tough year, he returned with humility and effort. He’s still one of Anaheim’s most skilled players, and the rest of the team loves him. Given the honor and responsibility, Zegras could represent the energy and passion the Ducks want in their next identity..
Looking Ahead to the Anaheim Ducks Offseason
In Part 2 of our Anaheim Ducks offseason to-do list, we’ll tackle the final two items: special teams improvement and staff changes. The Ducks made progress in 2024–25, but a well-executed offseason will determine whether they build on that or stall out again.
Main Photo: Terrence Lee- Imagn Images
The post Anaheim Ducks Offseason To-Do List: Part 1 of 2 appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.