Since the 2017-18 season, the Anaheim Ducks have consistently missed the playoffs, resulting in seven straight years of top-10 draft picks. This has given them one of the NHL’s deepest and most talented prospect pools. Even with some young talents like Leo Carlson, Cutter Gautier, Mason McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov, and Oren Zelweger moving on to full-time NHL roles, the Ducks still maintain a strong lineup of promising prospects.
Six Ducks prospects were named to the 2025 Junior Summer Showcase roster, raising hopes that the “Rangers West” team could help bring Anaheim back to postseason contention. This ranking focuses solely on players retaining their rookie status, and the evaluations are subjective.
Honorable mentions include Yegor Sidorov, Herman Met, Tarin Smith, Lasse Boelius, and Calle Clang. The top 10 prospects list features:
10. Nathan Gaucher, 21, Center, San Diego Gulls (AHL)
9. Ian Moore, 23, Right Defense, San Diego Gulls (AHL)
8. Sasha Pastujov, 22, Wing, San Diego Gulls (AHL)
7. Tomas Suchanek, 22, Goalie, San Diego Gulls (AHL)
6. Eric Nilsson, 18, Center, Michigan State University (NCAA)
5. Lucas Pettersson, 19, Center, Brynas IF (SHL)
4. Steian Solberg, 19, Left Defense, San Diego Gulls (AHL)
At number 3 is 21-year-old right-handed defenseman Tristan Renault from the San Diego Gulls (AHL). The gap between Renault and those ranked just below him is minor, but Renault distinguishes himself with a higher offensive ceiling and two-way game potential. Drafted in the second round (53rd overall) in 2022, he has significantly improved his skating and demonstrates solid mobility and strong straight-line speed.
Renault is reliable in defensive coverage, controlling gaps effectively and preventing plays from developing behind the blue line. His standout skill is in puck retrieval and breakout plays, where he makes smart decisions, either by absorbing or avoiding pressure to initiate clean transitions. He also actively seeks offensive opportunities from the blue line.
Ducks GM Pat Barbiek praised Renault’s growth and offensive production, noting that despite limited playtime last year, he has shown strong progress and will be developed carefully throughout the season. Renault has overcome two major injuries early in his career, including surgery after being named QMJHL Rookie of the Year in 2021, and a knee infection that truncated his 2024 season. Despite this, he made the 2025 AHL All-Rookie team with 52 points in 59 games.
Renault is expected to play NHL minutes starting in the 2025-26 season but could improve his puck management to reduce risky giveaways. Both the Ducks and their coach, Verbeek, have high hopes for his resilience and ability to persevere through injury setbacks.
In other news, the Ducks have signed Drew Helleson to a two-year contract extension and Lucas Dostal to a five-year deal. They also inked a one-year contract with a player named Clan Myshark.
Fan Take: This outlook on Anaheim’s prospects highlights the team’s promising rebuild fueled by talent and resilience, which could soon translate into a competitive NHL roster. For hockey fans, following these young players’ development offers an exciting glimpse into the future of the sport and the potential resurgence of a storied franchise.
