The Anaheim Ducks are navigating a series of changes in their goaltending situation while their young players continue to impress. Here's a breakdown of the latest news and rumors surrounding the team:
Goaltending Carousel
The Ducks' goaltending depth is being tested due to injuries. Lukas Dostal is sidelined for two to three weeks with an upper-body injury. Dostal has been a key player for the Ducks this season, posting an 11-5-1 record with a 2.81 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. His strong performance, especially at home, has helped the Ducks climb to first place in the Pacific Division.
In response to Dostal's injury, the Ducks have recalled goaltender Vyacheslav Buteyets from the San Diego Gulls, their AHL affiliate. Buteyets, 23, has a 5-5-0 record in 10 appearances this season, combining his time with San Diego and the Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL. With the Gulls, he is 1-2-0 with a 3.72 goals-against average and .878 save percentage, securing his first career AHL win on November 26 against Tucson.
Adding to the changes, the Ducks have acquired Ville Husso from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for future considerations. Husso will report to the San Diego Gulls. This move provides the Ducks with additional depth while John Gibson is also dealing with an injury. Husso has a 1-5-2 record in nine NHL games this season, with a .866 save percentage and 3.69 goals-against average. He also has an 8-4-0 record with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL this year.
Young Stars Shine
The Anaheim Ducks' rebuild is accelerating thanks to the strong performance of their young core. The team's youth movement is evident, with eleven players aged 25 or under contributing significantly this season. Those players under 21 lead the league with 64 goals and 152 points.
Leo Carlsson, the 20-year-old Swedish forward, has been a standout player. On November 11, 2025, Carlsson reached his 100th NHL point and extended his point streak to 11 games. He is the youngest Ducks player to achieve this milestone. Cutter Gauthier, 21, is tied for fourth in the NHL in goals scored with 11, alongside Carlsson and other players. Gauthier recently had an eight-game point streak broken but had his first NHL hat trick on November 4.
Jackson LaCombe, 24, has shown significant improvement this season, tallying 43 points in 75 games, a jump from 17 points in 71 games last season. Mason McTavish, 22, is also having a strong season, with 52 points in 76 games. McTavish leads the team in goals and power-play goals and is second in overall points.
Other young players like Beckett Sennecke are also expected to make an impact. Sennecke, 19, has shown offensive flair in the OHL and could potentially join the Ducks' roster soon.
Looking Ahead
With injuries impacting the goaltending situation, the Anaheim Ducks will rely on their depth in net. Meanwhile, the team's young stars are driving their success on the ice. As the season progresses, these young players will continue to develop and contribute to the Ducks' growth.
