Anaheim Ducks Sign Prospect Herman Träff
The Anaheim Ducks have officially inked a three-year entry-level contract with up-and-coming prospect Herman Träff that will commence in the 2026-27 season. Until then, Träff will be joining the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL) as he wraps up the 2025-26 campaign.
Träff’s Journey to the Ducks
Träff caught the attention of the Ducks last season when they traded defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the New Jersey Devils, acquiring the skilled forward. Before this transition, Träff was competing in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with HV71. He went on to finish the 2024-25 season with them before signing a one-year deal with Oskarshamn in HockeyAllsvenskan during the summer.
Träff’s Aspirations and Development
“I just feel like I’m gonna be at the place now (where I need to) play much, get more ice time and do my thing,” he shared. “I think it’s going to be good in Oskarshamn, to do that. We will see. It feels good, and I’m ready for it.”
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has praised Träff for his attributes, noting,
“He’s a big kid who has some nice skill. He has hockey sense, he plays with an edge, and I like that. He’s got an aggressive attitude when it comes to his physical game. Another piece that we can kind of look at to add to this team in the future.”
Performance and Future Potential
During his tenure with Oskarshamn, Träff took advantage of his time on the power play, effectively using his shot and marking a milestone by scoring over 20 goals in his junior career for the first time.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Träff identifies as a power forward committed to utilizing his size, shooting skills, and physical prowess on the ice. However, he acknowledges a key area for improvement: his approach in offensive plays.
“Sometimes, I can circle around (the offensive zone) a bit (too) much. I know the hockey they play here (in North America), it’s more against the net,” he stated, indicating a shift in his game strategy to become more direct in his attacks.
Conclusion
The environment of the AHL offers Träff the perfect stage to refine these skills. The league’s dynamic and often tumultuous gameplay will provide plenty of opportunities for him to engage in high-pressure situations leading to goalmouth scrambles, essential for his further development. While Träff is likely to spend a few seasons in the minors, there is optimism surrounding his potential to eventually join the NHL roster and contribute to the Ducks’ future success.
