With the Anaheim Ducks\u2019 magical season coming to an end, it is time to reflect on the past, learn from the season, and determine how to best move forward into the 2026-27 season and have success. The team had an absolutely astonishing season that led to a two-round playoff run thanks to their new coaching staff and impeccably curated roster. <\/p>\n
A big part of their success came from their defensemen, who showed up game after game to help their team succeed. Let\u2019s take a brief look at each of their performances and give them a grade. Who will come out on top, and who has work to be done before the start of next season?<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Carlson \u2013 A<\/p>\n
Veteran defenseman John Carlson<\/a> had a short-lived but impressive time with the Ducks. He was acquired at the trade deadline, so he played just 16 regular-season games. However, he showed up as the two-way defender that he is known to be, notching 14 points<\/a> (four goals, 10 assists) in Anaheim. He finished with a plus-9 rating and was also critical on the power play, where he scored twice and tallied three assists.<\/p>\n He stepped up in the playoffs as well, with six points in 12 games, all of them being assists. Without his contributions both offensively and defensively, the Ducks may not have achieved the same level of postseason success. Carlson is a master of NHL defense \u2014 protecting the puck, blocking shots, and contributing to the offensive effort all at once.<\/p>\n With Carlson being a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), there is no telling where he may sign this offseason, but it sure would be nice to see him in Ducks\u2019 orange for another season.<\/p>\n Drew Helleson \u2013 D<\/p>\n Drew Helleson had a noticeably bad season, to put it bluntly. He struggled to protect the puck, get or maintain possession, and did not contribute much in the way of offense. Across 60 regular season games, he had just 15 points and a minus-4 rating<\/a>. His defensive efforts are nothing to speak of, either. He doesn\u2019t bring a high level of physicality to the ice, and he had 43 giveaways through the regular season.<\/p>\n Due to his performance, he played just eight playoff games, where he had only one assist. There was a lack of improvement from last season, as well. The Ducks may be better off without Helleson if he does not show some significant growth and improvement. A pipeline defenseman, such as newly drafted Stian Solberg, could be a better fit in his place next season.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRadko Gudas \u2013 D<\/p>\n The team\u2019s captain also had a difficult season. He played just 56 games due to a combination of injuries and suspensions. He is an aging player, and at 35 years old, his time in the league may be coming to an end. While he knows how to use size and physicality as an advantage, the blueliner struggles to keep it in check.<\/p>\n Notably, he injured Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews with a knee-on-knee hit, and was subsequently suspended five games<\/a>. His erroneous hits have always been a spot of trouble for him, often landing him in the penalty box. This season was no exception \u2014 he totaled 67 penalty minutes, though that is his lowest total in Anaheim.<\/p>\n Radko Gudas struggles with puck control and offense as well. He\u2019s a slow skater and lacks the two-way game that is so desired in NHL defensemen in today\u2019s game. He had just 13 points<\/a> (two goals, 11 assists) this season and played just one playoff game due to injury. Gudas is really not contributing anything meaningful to the team, and the Ducks could stand to let go of the UFA this offseason.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJackson LaCombe \u2013 A<\/p>\n