Anaheim Ducks prospect pool sets stage for sustained contention

Anaheim selected 11 players across seven rounds in the 2026 NHL Draft after acquiring two first-round picks via the Mason McTavish trade.

Draft Additions Bolster Forward Depth

The Ducks chose Nikita Klepov 15th overall, a crafty winger who posted strong offensive numbers in his lone OHL season before committing to Michigan State. Klepov’s tactical awareness and playmaking offset his average skating, creating a profile suited for middle-six minutes within three years.

Marcus Nordmark arrived at 28th overall after the team traded up; the Swedish left winger recorded consistent scoring in junior play but must improve consistency to reach top-six NHL status. His agility and shot selection provide immediate upside if he adapts to North American pace.

Mathis Preston, taken 50th overall, carries the highest upside among second-rounders. The WHL forward flashed game-breaking ability at the U-18s despite injuries and team struggles, positioning him for a potential 60-point AHL season by 2027-28.

Maxim Masse led the QMJHL with 102 points and 51 goals in 2025-26. The 6-foot-3 winger’s heavy shot and physical style project as a power-forward contributor once he completes his UMass commitment.

Anton Wahlberg posted 37 points in 68 AHL games after arriving via trade. At 21, his combination of size, speed, and defensive reliability gives him a realistic shot at 20-30 NHL games in 2026-27.

Maturing Prospects Push for NHL Roles

Roger McQueen signed his entry-level contract after a late-season surge in the NCAA. His size and puck skills project him for a handful of NHL appearances in 2026-27 if skating progress continues.

Nathan Gaucher recorded 29 points in 62 AHL games last season. The 2022 first-round pick’s physical bottom-six projection contrasts with the skill-heavy additions from 2026, creating roster competition that accelerates development.

Sasha Pastujov increased his AHL production annually and reached 23 years old. The third-round pick from 2021 must translate his offensive skill into NHL minutes or risk becoming trade bait.

Stian Solberg logged top-pair AHL minutes at age 20. The Norwegian defender’s physical style and heavy shot give him a direct path to top-four NHL duty within two seasons.

Tristan Luneau accumulated 41 points in 70 AHL games during 2025-26. Injuries slowed his path earlier, yet his puck-moving ability now positions him for regular NHL shifts once veteran departures open ice time.

Defensive Pipeline Offers Balance

Tarin Smith captained Everett to a WHL title before an injury ended his season. The smooth-skating, pass-first defender will spend two NCAA years at Minnesota, adding mobility to Anaheim’s right-side options alongside Jayden Kurtz.

The right defense remains thin beyond Luneau and Noah Warren. Warren’s 6-foot-5 frame and defensive focus provide depth, but only Kurtz offers high-upside potential from the 2026 class.

Left-side depth includes Anthony Allain-Samake, an 18-year-old UConn skater whose high-end mobility supports long-term top-four upside. Overall, the defensive group contrasts the forward surplus with fewer immediate NHL-ready options.