Speculation: 2025-26 Ducks Defense (Overview)

[Arthuros]

That crop of available RHD is looking ROUGH.

I don't like any of the FAs, and I don't see any other way to get a good enough RHD other than a very expensive trade.

Also, declaring that playoffs is the goal for next season will jack prices up for sure. I do wonder if that might mean that it opens up the candidate pool, though. Not like we'd swing someone like McAvoy, but who knows.

 

[DavidBL]

Imo, we need another veteran D who is GOOD at defense. I don't think we want a offense guy as that's what the kids mostly do. Its one of the reasons we wanted to move Fowler. Honestly I'm a bit torn on LD vs RD. A LD would balance the styles a bit but would mean moving one of the kids to their offside or off the team all together. If it's only for a few years it would allow some time for Solberg to get NHL ready. Add a RD is generally an easier decision as it doesn't force you to move on from any of the promising kids but is typically more expensive and I'm not sure there are many realistic options.

 

[Hey234]

I don't think anyone could argue that a long-term solution for RHD is a real necessity. The issue is that between Luneau, Moore, Helleson, & Warren, none project to be a #2 with LaCombe. The logic behind filling that need is sound.

The problem is that it's one of the hardest positions to fill in the NHL. The likelihood of upgrading that position this summer seems highly unlikely.

Gudas is the captain and is either playing the whole season or traded at the deadline. I would be shocked if they traded their captain this summer. Verbeek has made public statements about how next season will determine if he'll re-sign Trouba. Seems unlikely he's looking to upgrade him unless something falls into their lap. Helleson could be upgraded but if both Trouba and Gudas are not on the team next season, someone cheap and effective like Helleson seems smart to retain.

To me, either drafting or trading for a young player with the potential to be a #2 with LaCombe seems like the only realistic solutions. Next season is the one where decisions and upgrades on defense seem more realistic.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

Extend Lacombe now before the price explodes is my first thought seeing this(or is there some stupid rule that we cant?)

And yes an experienced RHD strong defensive guy is needed and it's probably gotta come via trade

 

[JAHV]

Extend Lacombe now before the price explodes is my first thought seeing this(or is there some stupid rule that we cant?)

And yes an experienced RHD strong defensive guy is needed and it's probably gotta come via trade

I also think they should extend LaCombe. They can do that starting on July 1st.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I don't think anyone could argue that a long-term solution for RHD is a real necessity. The issue is that between Luneau, Moore, Helleson, & Warren, none project to be a #2 with LaCombe. The logic behind filling that need is sound.

The problem is that it's one of the hardest positions to fill in the NHL. The likelihood of upgrading that position this summer seems highly unlikely.

Gudas is the captain and is either playing the whole season or traded at the deadline. I would be shocked if they traded their captain this summer. Verbeek has made public statements about how next season will determine if he'll re-sign Trouba. Seems unlikely he's looking to upgrade him unless something falls into their lap. Helleson could be upgraded but if both Trouba and Gudas are not on the team next season, someone cheap and effective like Helleson seems smart to retain.

To me, either drafting or trading for a young player with the potential to be a #2 with LaCombe seems like the only realistic solutions. Next season is the one where decisions and upgrades on defense seem more realistic.

We don't need the RD1 to be a #2 d-man type. We can get away with a 2nd pairing talent at RD1 like we did with Manson. Anaheim needs Helleson, Moore, or Warren to become that stay-at-home RD for LaCombe. Moore seems to be a dark horse as Defend the Nest site noted that Moore would be it's best defenseman on the Gulls, including beating out Luneau. Moore is the fastest RD we have in our system.

If we don't acquire a top-4 RD this summer, then I can see Moore developing in the AHL for half a season and brought up on call-ups. He would be a the best bet for being a top-4 defensive RD, but I dunno if I trust him to be a top pairing RD with LaCombe. If Moore dominates in the AHL next season, then that would be a positive sign.

As for a #2 d-man next season, that all hangs on the development steps of either Zellweger or Mintyukov. Both have two NHL seasons under their belts and at least one of them needs to take a significant step forward next season to fill that #2 role. Our weakest spots, IMO, are with Zellweger and Minty.

Although, if we are looking to draft a defensive-minded top-4 RD, then we are either hoping Mrtka falls to us or have Madden believe the Hensler can be become one in the future to select him over other forwards. A faster solution would be to trade for RD Wallinder and stick him in the AHL this season.