In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive deep into one of the NHL’s most intriguing rebuilding teams—the Anaheim Ducks.
After a quiet climb last season, Anaheim has made bold moves, signaling their intent to challenge for a wild card spot in 2026. From the surprise hiring of Joel Quenneville to a dramatic shakeup in goal and up front, the Ducks are becoming a team to watch.
The hosts break down Anaheim’s offseason acquisitions, including Chris Kreider, Mikael Granlund, Ryan Poehling, and Peter Mrazek, and assess what losing cornerstone pieces like Trevor Zegras and John Gibson really means. They also explore whether a young blue line—featuring names like Olen Zellweger, Jackson LaCombe, and Pavel Mintyukov—can hold the fort behind a confident Lucas Dostal in net.
They close with a candid look at Joel Quenneville’s return to coaching and the potential influence of one of the winningest coaches in NHL history on a promising roster that’s nearing playoff contention.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:00] Ducks Preview: Could Anaheim be this year’s surprise team?
[00:38] Reviewing Anaheim’s bold offseason moves
[01:00] The Chris Kreider trade & new forward lines
[01:48] Goaltending changes: Dostal’s time to shine
[03:00] Defensive questions: Young blue line analysis
[03:43] The rise of Bennett Seneka and prospects to watch
[04:32] Trust in Dostal & veteran presence from Mrazek
[05:44] Coaching spotlight: Joel Quenneville returns
[07:00] Addressing Quenneville’s past and Anaheim’s due diligence
[07:40] His influence on player development & team culture
[08:00] The Verbeek-Quenneville connection from Hartford days
[08:45] Final verdict: Is Anaheim a wild card sleeper?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The Anaheim Ducks have made major roster changes, including the additions of Chris Kreider, Mikael Granlund, and Peter Mrazek, while saying goodbye to Zegras and Gibson.
Lucas Dostal, now the clear-cut No. 1 goalie, will be tested behind an inexperienced defensive corps—but could thrive with Mrazek's veteran guidance.
The hiring of Joel Quenneville signals the Ducks are serious about culture and competitiveness. His resume and relationship with GM Pat Verbeek could fast-track the development of the team’s young core.
Anaheim’s depth up front and special teams potential make them a playoff dark horse, provided the defense matures ahead of schedule.
RESOURCE LINKS:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA
X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound
Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil
Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787
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