The Anaheim Ducks’ Playoff Drought
The Anaheim Ducks have grappled with a playoff drought since the 2017-18 season, leading to seven straight years of top-ten draft selections and resulting in a remarkably rich pool of prospects. This has allowed them to assemble one of the NHL’s most promising and deep talent rosters. Notably, young talents such as Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zellweger have successfully made the transition to full-time NHL players, yet the Ducks continue to foster an array of impactful prospects in the pipeline.
Spotlight on Nathan Gaucher
One notable prospect is Nathan Gaucher, a 21-year-old center currently playing with the San Diego Gulls in the AHL. Despite being close to the rankings, Yegor Sidorov was edged out in favor of Gaucher due to the latter’s growth potential and playing style. As the Ducks’ first-round pick (22nd overall) in 2022, acquired through the trade of Hampus Lindholm, Gaucher’s trajectory suggests he is on track for a promising NHL career, with expectations of surpassing 100 games in the league.
Gaucher, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 207 pounds, is known for his robust playing style and defensive acumen. His commitment to a physical game allows him to dominate puck battles and assert his presence on the ice. He showcased his scoring capabilities during his junior career with the Quebec Remparts, accumulating an impressive 158 points over 199 games while also contributing to their triumph in both the QMJHL and Memorial Cup Championships. Additionally, he was part of Team Canada’s gold medal-winning squads at the World Junior Championships in 2022 and 2023, where he played a critical defensive role.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite a challenging start to his professional journey this season, marked by injuries that hindered his contributions, Gaucher’s skills began to shine through towards the end of the season. He ended the 2024-25 campaign strong, recording 11 points in the final 12 games before succumbing to a shoulder injury that required surgery. As Ducks assistant general manager Martin Madden pointed out, Gaucher had to overcome injuries that disrupted his momentum but gradually improved in his confidence with the puck.
Looking ahead, Gaucher is expected to recover fully in time for training camp in September and aims to build upon his developing two-way game, which is crucial for his success in the NHL. As he enters his third season in the AHL, there’s optimism he will translate his late-season offensive performance into a more consistent output, possibly leading to his debut in the NHL in the near future.
Other Notable Prospects
Other notable prospects for the Ducks include Drew Helleson, who recently signed a two-year extension, and Lukas Dostal, who secured a five-year contract extension. With a plethora of talented prospects on the horizon, the Ducks are diligently working towards rebuilding their competitive edge in the NHL.
