Pucks of a Feather

Rewind a year ago to last summer, when Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek's expectation and mandate was for the team to make the playoffs. Even to the most diehard of Ducks fans, the notion seemed ludicrous at best, despite the makings of solid young core that had yet to realize their full potential. Playoffs seemed like the best-case scenario and with a new head coach in tow, even just a step toward progress would be considered a win.

The Anaheim Ducks may have ended the 2025-26 season on a high note, by not only making the playoffs and winning a round in the process, but the events that have transpired over the course of the offseason have stifled that momentum. In a recent fan survey conducted by The Athletic, it would appear that the fan base and the hockey world at large, have been rather displeased with the Ducks front office on a multitude of fronts.

Paying franchise players what they're worth, has been the bane of general managers for decades, no matter the sport. Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek tried to play hardball with number one center and franchise player, Leo Carlsson, over the offseason. The strong-arm tactics almost cost the Ducks their heir apparent to Ryan Getzlaf and when the dust finally settled from the Philadelphia Flyers offer sheet fiasco, Carlsson was $90 million richer, and Verbeek's tough negotiation tactics backfired.

Three numbers already hang from the rafters of Honda Center, but which other numbers should be joining them? January 9, 2008; Anaheim CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere (35), defenseman Sean O'Donnell (21), and right wing Corey Perry (10) celebrate after the Ducks win 5-0 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Honda Center in Anaheim CA. Mandatory Credit: Gary A.

Some NHL records might appear to be insurmountable at first glance. Take Wayne Gretzky's 894 goals, for example. Among many of the records that Gretzky holds, that number seemed unachievable, until Alex Ovechkin surpassed that mark on April 6th, 2025. While records are meant to be broken, some are just unbreakable. Teemu Selanne, the Finnish Flash, has claim to one of those unbreakable records; goals by a rookie.

Two trophies for a Ducks legend, in a career year for the star winger. Jan 22, 2011; Montreal, QC, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (11) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price during the second period at the Bell Center. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect It’s hard to believe that the Peterborough, Ontario native had his historic season over 15 years ago.

With the release of the next iteration of the popular video game series around the corner, here's our picks for additions as Ducks alumni. Apr 23, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1) warms up before game four against the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Ducks 4-2.

The Anaheim Ducks have never had a first overall pick in the NHL entry draft. While the most recent near-miss in 2023 was disappointing in the moment, the selection of Leo Carlsson as the runner-up has panned out so far, just don't ask current Ducks GM Pat Verbeek about that contract extension. Prior to Carlsson though, the last time the Ducks had a second overall pick was the 2005 draft.

Not all defeats are created equal and some leave wounds that still hurt, even years later. May 22, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) reacts after the winning goal by Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons (not pictured) during the third period in game six of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena.

Without any more notable offseason news yet, cough Gauthier cough, our retrospective look at great moments in Anaheim Ducks lore continues with the most electric goals in franchise history.