Checking in on the Anaheim Ducks Newcomers

The Anaheim Ducks underwent a major retooling this offseason, adding four new players through free agency and trades, bringing in a plethora of new players from training camp, and giving their recent draft picks a shot at the big leagues. Let’s take a look at these first-year Ducks and see how they’ve been doing this season.

Laurent Brossoit

The call-up of goaltender Laurent Brossoit was certainly unexpected. It was assumed that between Lukas Dostal and Ville Husso, netminding was on lock. However, they struggled to start the season, and Brossoit was called upon to shake things up.

He has had a hot start, going 4-1-0 in five games. Though his goals-against average (3.42) and save percentage (.867) need work, he is delivering critical wins for his team. He is now a regular part of a goaltending trio that can each be relied on in turn. Will one emerge as the clear starting goaltender soon? Time will tell, but Brossoit could be just what the Ducks needed.

Judd Caulfield

Judd Caulfield was an unexpected pick to make it out of training camp, but he’s quickly proven himself an invaluable member of the team’s forward group. After four seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the San Diego Gulls, he finally got a shot with the Ducks this season.

He is often found on the first line alongside Alex Killorn and Leo Carlsson. He has nine points in 17 games as an NHL rookie and has had two multi-point performances. He has been a consistent performer who continues to improve with time and experience.

A.J. Greer

A.J. Greer was acquired from the Florida Panthers in a one-for-one trade with Radko Gudas. He has brought a similar veteran presence and physicality to Gudas, often adding momentum with big hits and smart plays. He has alternated between the third and fourth lines, becoming a critical part of the team’s shutdown units.

Greer has secured six points in 13 games and averaged 12:26 on ice. Unfortunately, he sustained an upper-body injury in the game against the Ottawa Senators and was placed on injured reserve (IR). Hopefully, his recovery will be quick, and he can return to the lineup soon.

Nick Jensen

Nick Jensen was signed in free agency to fill a gap in veteran presence on the defense. At 36, he has lots of experience under his belt. However, his age is showing. Jensen played just three games with the Ducks, securing two points, before being sent down to the Gulls to make room for younger, more skillful defensemen.

In four games with San Diego, Jensen has yet to record a point. While the Ducks could benefit from a more seasoned player on the back end, he is not their answer. With general manager Pat Verbeek moving on from players like Gudas and Jacob Trouba, the team will have to make do with a younger defense for now.

Nikita Klepov

Nikita Klepov was a first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. The young forward has played four games with the team this season, tallying no points. He continues his development with the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Saginaw Spirit, where he has four points in as many games.

Travis Mitchell

Defenseman Travis Mitchell was also signed as a free agent. He is on a two-way contract and played just nine NHL games for the New York Islanders before joining the Ducks. Mitchell has played 14 relatively unsuccessful games this season, tallying just one assist and carrying a minus-5 rating. He also has no points in four games with the Gulls.

Jeff Malott

Jeff Malott was another free agent signing and most recently played for the Los Angeles Kings. He has mainly played on the fourth line, though he spent some time on the second line at the start of the season. Malott is a heavyweight grinder. At 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds, size is his advantage.

He is a defensively-minded forward who has already registered 40 hits this season and blocked 11 shots. Offensively, he has recorded six points in 18 games. He is a solid fourth-line veteran and a reliable part of the team this season.

Roger McQueen

Roger McQueen was the team’s first-round draft pick in 2025, and his arrival in Anaheim was highly anticipated. He has played 14 games so far this season, averaging 11:44 between the third and fourth lines. The centerman has scored twice and tallied one assist.

While he is not an immediate breakout superstar, McQueen shows incredible promise and should be a great asset with further development. He may benefit from a plan similar to Carlsson’s in his rookie season, alternating between the Gulls and the Ducks to further develop his game before he is called up to the NHL full-time.

Nico Myatovic

Nico Myatovic, a 2023 draft pick, was called up from the Gulls in Greer’s absence. He has played four games and tallied no points. However, with the Gulls, he has eight points in 12 games this season. Myatovic is a big body similar to Greer, at 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds. However, he needs some further development before he is ready for a full-time NHL spot.

Noah Warren

Noah Warren was selected by the Ducks in 2022 and has been playing with the Gulls since the 2024-25 season. The defenseman made the roster after training camp and has been paired with various players, including Pavel Mintyukov, Tyson Hinds, and Jackson LaCombe.

Warren has recorded five points, all assists, in 19 games and averages 16:07 on ice. He is listed at 6-foot-5, 233 pounds – unsurprisingly, he is a physical force, registering 40 hits and blocking 27 shots so far. He has been a key piece of the team’s young defense this season despite their overall struggles. He is developing quickly and should remain a critical part of the Ducks’ success.

Overall, the Ducks’ newcomers have been assets to the team so far this season. Whether it’s Caulfield’s offensive success, Warren’s defensive-mindedness, Brossoit’s ability to step up when needed, or another skillful new Duck taking flight, the team is in good shape. They have a 10-8-1 record and look to continue their success against the Islanders on Saturday night.