The Anaheim Ducks offseason is underway. Part 1 of this to-do list focuses on signing RFAs, free agent targets, and building team identity.<\/p>\n
The Anaheim Ducks<\/a> offseason is officially underway, and the pressure is on. After another year of hitting the golf course early, General Manager Pat Verbeek<\/a> 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<\/a>, 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\u2019s identity and leadership core.<\/p>\n The first priority this summer is signing the team\u2019s restricted free agents.<\/span> Mason McTavish<\/a> and Lukas Dostal<\/a> headline the group.<\/span><\/p>\n Once the RFAs are sorted, attention turns to free agency. Fortunately, the Anaheim Ducks have plenty of capital, but spending it wisely is key.<\/p>\n The Ducks should avoid overcommitting to veterans whose timelines don\u2019t match the current core. Instead, they need players who fill gaps in the team\u2014a 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.<\/p>\n Here are some potential free agent targets the Anaheim Ducks could consider during the 2025 offseason:<\/span>\u200b<\/p>\n Every successful team needs a clear identity. Right now, Anaheim\u2019s remains fuzzy. Establishing one is the next step in the Anaheim Ducks offseason blueprint.<\/p>\n The Ducks must clarify their direction, and Pat Verbeek made a declarative statement<\/a> regarding that: “I see this team at a point to where my expectation of this team is to make the playoffs next season<\/strong>.”<\/p>\n Leadership plays a central role in this identity shift. The Ducks haven\u2019t had a clear culture since Ryan Getzlaf<\/a> retired<\/a>, and while Radko Gudas<\/a> 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\u201325 and brought much-needed grit. However, naming him captain beyond this season would be a short-sighted move. He\u2019s 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\u2019t part of the Ducks\u2019 core moving forward. His leadership helped bridge a young roster through transition \u2014 but the Ducks need to pass the torch to someone who will lead them into their next competitive window.<\/p>\n Each of the following players represents a different kind of captain, but all share one thing: they are part of Anaheim\u2019s long-term vision.<\/p>\n1. Lock Down Key RFAs<\/h3>\n
Must Have RFAs<\/h4>\n
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Should Sign RFAs\u200b<\/h4>\n
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At the Right Price RFA<\/h4>\n
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2. Free Agent Targets Must Fit the Plan<\/h3>\n
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3. Define the Identity and Leadership Group<\/h3>\n
Captain Options<\/h4>\n