In Irvine, California, Chris Kreider starkly recalled his initial years, stating, “`My first few seasons here were a complete nightmare.`” This was his candid reply when asked how the Anaheim Ducks evolved into a more attractive destination than they had been recently.
“The entire California road trip used to be dreadful,” Kreider lamented. He then recounted, with a touch of humor, the arduous experience of facing the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and the Ducks three times during a grueling four-day California swing.
The Kings were formidable, described as `monsters` with nearly every player over six feet tall and averaging 210 pounds. The Sharks, with legends like Brent Burns, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Thornton, presented their own unique challenge.
Kreider vividly recalled an encounter: “Burns had me pinned against the boards. I tried moving my feet, hoping the refs would notice I was trapped and call a penalty. But then I looked down and my feet weren`t even touching the ice. I`m 6-foot-3 and was 230 pounds at the time. Brent Burns just lifted me clean off the ice.”
Anaheim brought its own set of difficulties. “I don`t recall ever touching the puck in this arena,” Kreider admitted. “It was always Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, along with their linemates… I had the `privilege` of matching up against them a few times, and after one such trip, I was summoned to the coaches` room and informed my performance wasn`t up to par.”
These memories led Kreider to gesture towards the stalls of current Ducks talents like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Jackson LaCombe. “Just look at those players,” Kreider remarked, “Soon, opposing teams will be saying the exact same thing about them.” For Kreider, this burgeoning talent is why Anaheim is once again a desirable destination. But does it make them a playoff contender?
Ducks GM Pat Verbeek affirmed, “From my viewpoint, the expectation is to reach the playoffs. So, the answer is yes.”
A Pivotal Offseason and a New Direction
After seven consecutive seasons without a playoff berth, the Ducks` direction was under scrutiny. However, through astute drafting, they`ve cultivated one of the NHL`s strongest farm systems, now beginning to yield results. Though they missed the playoffs last season, their 80 points marked their best performance in six years.
The recent offseason proved to be a watershed moment for the franchise. General Manager Verbeek and his team moved key players John Gibson and Trevor Zegras, both of whom had at different points been considered the face of the organization. They strategically acquired seasoned veterans such as Mikael Granlund and Chris Kreider, simultaneously locking up their promising young talent with long-term deals.
Furthermore, Verbeek dismissed head coach Greg Cronin after two seasons, replacing him with Joel Quenneville, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks. Quenneville had been out of coaching for nearly four years, having resigned from the Florida Panthers in October 2021 and subsequently banned by the NHL following an investigation into the Blackhawks` mishandling of sexual assault allegations made by former player Kyle Beach against video coach Brad Aldrich during their 2010 championship season. The NHL eventually lifted Quenneville`s ban in 2024.
The collective impact of trading Gibson and Zegras, the commitment to veteran experience, the confidence in their emerging core, and the controversial hiring of Quenneville — a move that drew significant scrutiny — signifies a critical juncture. Verbeek isn`t alone in viewing this period as a potential turning point for the team`s competitive aspirations.
Ducks winger Troy Terry reflected, “In recent years, we approached seasons with a hopeful `we might have a good team` mentality, often hinging on whether a young player would step up. This year, while we still have youth, those players are now experienced, and we`ve seen their capabilities. There`s less `if this happens` and more a definite understanding that `we should be a good team.`”
The Blueprint for Talent: Scouting and Development
Martin Madden, the Ducks` assistant GM and director of amateur scouting, has been instrumental in shaping the team`s talent pipeline since 2008. He boasts an impressive track record, having drafted 56 players who`ve made it to the NHL, including the entire seven-player class from 2011, which featured notable names like Josh Manson, William Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and John Gibson.
Madden is also responsible for drafting many of the Ducks` current young core, including Lukas Dostal, Mason McTavish, Olen Zellweger, Jackson LaCombe, and Troy Terry. After GM Verbeek`s arrival in 2022, the team further strengthened its prospect pool by drafting Pavel Mintyukov and Leo Carlsson, and acquiring Cutter Gauthier, who was originally the fifth overall pick by the Flyers in 2022, via trade.
Verbeek explained their drafting strategy: “We established a clear philosophy for the types of players we wanted to draft and have strived to execute it as consistently as possible, acknowledging variables like player availability. A crucial aspect of this approach is securing high draft picks, which significantly increases our chances of finding top talent, even though gems can emerge later in the draft.”
Madden and Verbeek prioritized prospects demonstrating competitiveness, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. While successfully identifying such players, they also understood that each prospect`s development path would be unique.
This diversity is evident in their prospects: some, like Jackson LaCombe, honed their skills over four years in college hockey, while others, like Leo Carlsson, competed against professionals in Sweden, or Mason McTavish, who advanced through the OHL and AHL to reach the NHL within the same year.
A deliberate strategy also guided the recruitment of experienced players to complement the roster. Verbeek targeted veterans with proven postseason success, including Stanley Cup winners like Alex Killorn, or those with extensive deep playoff experience such as Mikael Granlund, Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba, and Chris Kreider.
Verbeek attracted these veterans by offering them a crucial role in establishing a robust, foundational culture alongside a promising homegrown core, a group he believes has the potential for greatness. “As an older player myself, you can sense the potential when you play alongside these young talents,” Verbeek noted, “I believe that aspect was particularly appealing to those veteran players.”
A prime example of this strategy is the pairing of Leo Carlsson and Mikael Granlund. The Ducks selected Carlsson second overall in the 2023 draft, envisioning him as a future top-line, two-way center. This offseason, they signed Granlund, a proven two-way, top-nine center, to provide immediate stability and mentorship.
To facilitate their connection, the Ducks intentionally placed Carlsson`s locker stall next to Granlund`s at the practice facility, where players spend the majority of their time. This arrangement has fostered a strong relationship, enabling Carlsson to receive instant feedback and seek advice effortlessly.
Carlsson shared, “It`s quite straightforward. The veterans just want us to play our own game and they offer fantastic advice. Sitting next to `Granny` (Granlund) in the dressing room, he constantly gives me tips, and I just absorb everything. You then integrate it into your game, knowing you`ll be fine.”
Achieving this balance is crucial. Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, both having experienced a rebuild with the New York Rangers, articulated their perspectives on being veterans. Trouba emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and serving as a sounding board for younger players navigating the complexities of the NHL.
Kreider further stressed that while veterans` voices are important, they also encourage younger players to express their own thoughts and ideas.
Troy Terry, at 28, the team`s longest-serving player, offers the most insightful perspective on these changes. He believes the front office`s consistent drafting and development of homegrown talent demonstrate a profound commitment to long-term success, a conviction amplified by the addition of experienced veterans.
“It clearly signals that we now have the players capable of making a strong push, at least contending for a playoff spot,” Terry asserted. “The recent moves not only significantly strengthen our team but also reinforce an internal message: it`s time to genuinely advance.”
This sentiment also extends to another critical decision made by Verbeek and the Ducks` front office, one that could prove pivotal in multiple respects.
The Quenneville Question: On and Off the Ice
Joel Quenneville faces questions both on and off the ice. His four-season absence from coaching raises concerns about his readiness, while off-ice, he must address what he`s learned from his involvement in the Blackhawks sexual assault scandal.
When Quenneville, the NHL`s second-winningest coach, accepted the Ducks job in May, he claimed to be a changed man. Yet, questions persist: How has he genuinely evolved? What measures are he and the Ducks implementing to avoid a scenario similar to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who admitted in 2023 that hiring Mike Babcock was a mistake?
Quenneville and Verbeek were repeatedly questioned on this matter during Quenneville`s introductory press conference, and months later, the Ducks still encounter scrutiny.
According to a team source, the organization is committed to transparency regarding all aspects of Quenneville`s hiring, including their selection process and the steps taken over the years to ensure a safe environment for all employees prior to his arrival.
Quenneville stated, “Many individuals I collaborated with provided invaluable guidance on how to manage, recognize, and address these situations. We discussed my learnings from the past four years on the very first day of training camp. The key takeaway I intend to implement is that such incidents will not occur under our supervision.”
He added, “The critical factor is awareness — among staff, players, and each other. We must ensure everyone is conscious that any instances of inappropriate behavior are promptly addressed, identified, and met with accountability, trust, and support. For me, and for us as an organization, your safety is paramount.”
Verbeek highlighted that the educational programs Quenneville engaged in over the past three years with advocacy groups align with similar initiatives the Ducks` owners, Henry and Susan Samueli (who have owned the team since 2003), have undertaken for several years. Verbeek emphasized that the Ducks provide “constant education” and conduct refresher training every two years.
According to Verbeek, the Ducks` training programs have established robust practices and protocols designed to identify warning signs proactively, acting as a preventative measure.
Quenneville shared that his discussions with sexual assault survivors profoundly reinforced his understanding of why such situations “can never happen again.”
“I cannot allow myself to even contemplate such an incident reoccurring,” Quenneville stated. “I`ve learned I should have acted more decisively, asked more probing questions, and been more assertive in certain meetings to uncover the full truth. I take full responsibility for that, and I am certain it will not happen again.”
The NHL previously ruled Quenneville, along with then-Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman and executive Al MacIsaac, ineligible to work for other teams, and fined the Blackhawks $2 million for inadequate policies. Commissioner Gary Bettman lifted Quenneville`s ban in July 2024, citing the “sincere remorse” expressed by Bowman, MacIsaac, and Quenneville for their “unacceptable” handling of the allegations.
Stan Bowman was the first of the three to return to the NHL, being hired as GM of the Edmonton Oilers in summer 2024.
Quenneville`s Coaching Philosophy and Future Impact
On the ice, Joel Quenneville`s success with the Blackhawks stemmed from several key factors, notably his ability to consistently elevate the team`s young core, which included stars like Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Jonathan Toews.
His experience with the Panthers, observing talents like Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, and Jonathan Huberdeau, drew parallels to his Blackhawks teams, making South Florida an attractive destination. The Panthers successfully built around Barkov and Ekblad, eventually trading Huberdeau for Matthew Tkachuk, a move that contributed to their consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2024 and 2025.
Despite being eligible to return for the 2024-25 season, Quenneville did not immediately secure a coaching position but remained closely attuned to the NHL. He recounted that while living in Florida, Pat Verbeek, his former teammate from their Hartford Whalers days, contacted him to gauge his interest in coaching the Ducks.
“Prior to that,” Quenneville explained, “I was actively considering potential opportunities. Based on my observations and what I was told, Anaheim emerged as the ideal destination. This team is prepared, and they possess many of the crucial components for success.”
Quenneville begins this season just 31 wins shy of 1,000 career victories. He currently stands second on the NHL`s all-time wins list, behind Scotty Bowman (1,244). His impressive record of games won and Stanley Cups solidifies his place as one of the league`s greatest coaches and, without question, the most high-profile coach the Ducks have ever hired.
A significant factor in Quenneville`s sustained success is his remarkable ability to teach and connect with young players. For instance, in his inaugural season with the St. Louis Blues, defenseman Chris Pronger, then a 22-year-old captain, achieved a career-high in points. A similar trend was observed in his first season with Chicago, where Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews, and Brent Seabrook all reached new career milestones. This pattern continued in Florida with Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad.
The question now is whether he can replicate this developmental success with the Ducks` young core in the 2025-26 season and beyond.
“It`s exciting, but ultimately, the responsibility for improving rests with me,” Leo Carlsson remarked when asked about developing under Quenneville. “The crucial point is that he has a track record of giving young players a fair opportunity, and I`m very eager for that. He`s simply a coach who enhances your game, and I truly appreciate that.”
