The Anaheim Ducks are looking to improve after a lackluster season, despite a recent rise in their standings. The hiring of experienced coach Joel Quenneville is a key move for the team as they prepare for the upcoming offseason, focusing on the 2025 NHL Draft where they hold the No. 10 pick. A recent mock draft predicts the Ducks will gamble on WHL center Roger McQueen, a 6-foot-5 player with significant potential, despite concerns over a past back injury. With a roster full of young talent, the Ducks may have the luxury to let McQueen develop.

Offseason plans extend beyond the draft, as the franchise contemplates potential trades, including moving forward Trevor Zegras to acquire a star player. The Ducks face a pivotal period in their development, aiming to build a competitive team for the future.

The Anaheim Ducks are keen on breaking their seven-year playoff drought, entering the offseason with renewed ambitions and strategic leadership under new head coach Joel Quenneville. The Ducks are rich in young talent and salary cap flexibility, making them players in trade discussions, particularly around center Trevor Zegras, who is a valued asset. Speculation surrounds a potential trade with the New York Rangers, involving star winger Alexis Lafreniere, who could thrive alongside Anaheim's young roster.

Lafreniere's recent performances, including 17 goals and 28 assists last season, highlight his capability and fit for the Ducks, who aim to inject more scoring into their lineup. The long-term contract of Lafreniere, extending through the 2031-32 season, makes this a calculated risk for Anaheim, which seeks to leverage its farm system and financial resources to enhance its competitive edge.

The Anaheim Ducks have made a significant coaching change, parting ways with head coach Greg Cronin despite a notable 21-point improvement in standings this season. General Manager Pat Verbeek indicated that a new direction was needed and highlighted issues with culture and player support for Cronin. Speculations suggest the team may prioritize star forward Trevor Zegras, especially given their rocky history and potential trade discussions surrounding him. Verbeek’s comments hint at an aggressive offseason strategy to bolster the Ducks’ playoff ambitions, though they will face stiff competition in the Pacific Division.

The Montreal Canadiens made a significant decision during the 2024 NHL Draft, opting to retain their fifth overall pick rather than trading for Trevor Zegras. Instead, they selected Ivan Demidov, who has demonstrated impressive potential with a strong showing in the KHL. Demidov's performance has generated excitement among fans, especially as the Canadiens push for a playoff berth after a dynamic turn of events since December.

Elliotte Friedman highlighted the implications of this choice, noting that if Zegras had joined the Canadiens, it could have drastically altered the trajectory of both the draft and the team's future. As Montreal fans eagerly anticipate Demidov's impact, the narrative surrounding Zegras and his current role with the Anaheim Ducks continues to unfold, adding layers to the draft's legacy.

Trevor Zegras has completed his three-game suspension following a high hit on Michael Rasmussen during a recent match against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite only 16 points this season, Zegras is recognized as a crucial offensive driver for the Anaheim Ducks, and his absence has been keenly felt, contributing to a lackluster performance where the Ducks went 1-2 during his suspension. Coach Greg Cronin noted Zegras's progress and impact, even if stats don’t fully reflect his contributions.

Since Zegras's return from a knee injury, the Ducks had shown signs of resurgence, but his short suspension became a critical point as the team struggled to maintain playoff contention. They lost a critical match against the Buffalo Sabres despite leading and faced an embarrassing defeat to the Blackhawks. As the Ducks prepare for back-to-back games against the Oilers and the Canucks, Zegras will need to demonstrate his value to the team in their playoff push.