At the start of training camp, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek emphasized their intent to act more swiftly in securing their players’ futures when it comes to restricted free agency. True to this promise, they’ve now signed Tim Washe and Tristan Luneau to long-term contracts.
Luneau’s situation is somewhat different from Washe’s, as he has only appeared in 14 NHL games over three seasons. In contrast, Washe played a significant role in the second half of last season and was vital to the team’s playoff success. Last season, Luneau was in only one NHL game—an end-of-season match against the Nashville Predators—where he scored a goal and helped boost the Ducks’ morale as they headed into the playoffs.
With the departure of players like Jacob Trouba, Radko Gudas, and John Carlson, and the current injuries to Drew Helleson and Ian Moore, Luneau now faces the biggest opportunity of his NHL career. His recent contract extension confirms that the organization believes in his potential.
Luneau shared that his agent contacted him about the extension, and he expressed his enthusiasm: “I want to be part of this group, and I’m ready to get things going too.”
This deal carries inherent risks, as the Ducks are investing $43.2 million in a player with fewer than 20 NHL games under his belt. In comparison, Jackson LaCombe, who signed a substantial extension before the 2025-26 season, had already demonstrated top-tier potential with over 200 NHL appearances. The Ducks aim to stay ahead of the curve by locking in Luneau before his career truly takes off.
Luneau has been preparing diligently for this opportunity, having made the Ducks’ opening night roster twice before, only to be sidelined by injuries and demotions. After two successful seasons in the AHL, both the player and organization feel he’s ready for the next step.
“This is a lot of trust,” Luneau stated. “I have to live up to their expectations and the trust they’ve placed in me, and I’m ready to do that.”
Based on recent practice line combos, Luneau is expected to team up with LaCombe on the top defensive pairing to start the season, both anticipated to log significant minutes in all situations.
Fan Take: This move shows the Ducks’ commitment to building a strong, youthful core, which hockey fans should see as a positive sign for the team’s future. It also signals that Luneau is a player to watch as he develops into a key piece for the Ducks and potentially the league.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
