The Anaheim Ducks have reached the tail end of a whirlwind season that has been highlighted by record-shattering performances, young players shining bright, blockbuster acquisitions and trades, and so much more. They have just four games left to secure their spot in the postseason and make it a season that is nothing short of monumental.
They entered the game against the Nashville Predators on a five-game losing streak — an unusual performance for the usually red-hot Ducks. However, recent injuries and playoff pressure have shaken the team more than they were expecting. Here’s what’s going on in Anaheim as the regular season comes to a close.
Injury Updates
The Ducks are without four skaters at the moment. Heavy-hitting forward Ross Johnston was expected to miss 3-4 weeks as of March 18, so his return would be just in time for the playoffs. Jansen Harkins, another forward, had hand surgery on March 30 and is expected to miss up to four weeks.
Related: Ducks Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Neck-and-Neck Race, Injury Bug and More
Defenseman and captain Radko Gudas does not have a clear timeline for return, but is “getting closer every day”, per reporter Zach Cavanaugh. The most notable absence has been that of high-performing forward Cutter Gauthier. He sustained an upper-body injury on March 31 and has not played since. He did not suit up against the Predators and is not expected to play on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks, either.
Post-Trade Deadline Check-In
The team made very few moves at the trade deadline, trading away only forward Ryan Strome to the Calgary Flames and acquiring defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals. How have the two players been doing on their respective new teams?
Strome has been a textbook case of the wonders a new environment can have on a player. Where he had just nine points in 33 games with the Ducks this season, he already has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 16 games with the Flames. He achieved his 500th career point with a goal against the Ducks and played his 900th career game against another former team, the New York Rangers.
Carlson has been a wonder for the Ducks. He has nine points (one goal, eight assists) in 11 games, proving that he can thrive on any team and at any age. He has averaged 30:19 on ice per game and has contributed three assists on power-play goals. His presence on the blue line is nothing but positive. He brings leadership and mentorship abilities to the younger defensemen and adds a wealth of knowledge and experience to the veteran group on the team. He will be invaluable come playoff time.
Roger McQueen Signs With San Diego Gulls
McQueen was drafted tenth overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, stirring up excitement about the Ducks’ future. Fans speculated about the possibility of him playing alongside Beckett Sennecke, Leo Carlsson, and Gauthier as the core of the team in its new era. Now, that reality could be closer than expected.
The San Diego Gulls, the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, signed McQueen to an amateur tryout contract. With his current team, Providence College, eliminated from the Frozen Four, he can now pursue his professional career. In his rookie season with Providence, he had 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 36 games. He was named the Hockey East Conference’s Rookie of the Year because of his standout performance.
General manager Pat Verbeek welcomed McQueen, saying, “It is exciting to welcome Roger to our organization to play professional hockey after a strong freshman season at Providence. Roger will gain valuable experience playing additional games in San Diego, which will be an important step in his development.” He has two points in two games so far with the team and will stay with them through the remainder of their season.
As the Ducks play their final four games of the regular season, they hope to hold onto the top spot in the Pacific Division. They’ll face the Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota Wild, and the Predators to close out the season. They take on the Sharks on Thursday at home.
