Anaheim Ducks Secure Contracts with Arbitration-Eligible Players
The Anaheim Ducks have recently secured contracts with both of their arbitration-eligible players. On Friday, they revealed a two-year agreement with defenseman Drew Helleson, which carries an average annual value of $1.1 million. This signing follows the announcement of a five-year deal for fellow restricted free agent Lukáš Dostál just one day prior.
Drew Helleson’s Impact on the Team
Helleson, who recently made a name for himself as a dependable NHL defenseman, received the call-up from the AHL in November and made an immediate impact, solidifying his position on the team’s roster. Throughout the past season, the 23-year-old defenseman paired primarily with Brian Dumoulin, another Boston College alum, to establish a solid bottom defensive pairing.
Although Helleson was briefly scratched when Jacob Trouba joined the Ducks from the New York Rangers in December, he quickly returned to the lineup and maintained his role. Following the trade deadline, when Dumoulin was sent to the New Jersey Devils, Pavel Mintyukov became Helleson’s primary defensive partner. Notably, Helleson also earned a Calder Trophy vote this offseason, underscoring his rising status in the league.
Future Prospects for the Ducks’ Defense
As Helleson looks to solidify his long-term future with the Ducks, the competition for the right-side bottom pairing is set to intensify with Tristan Luneau anticipated to transition to a full-time NHL role next season. With Helleson now under contract, the Ducks appear to have their defensive lineup largely in place leading into the 2025-26 season.
Currently, Mason McTavish, Sam Colangelo, and Tim Washe remain as the Ducks’ three restricted free agents needing contracts after the deals for Helleson and Dostál were finalized.
