The Anaheim Ducks continue to surprise and excite fans as they navigate the 2025-2026 NHL season. Recent games have showcased the team's resilience with multiple comeback victories, while the rumor mill is churning with potential trades. Off the ice, the Ducks have embraced the holiday spirit by giving back to the community.
Another Comeback in the Books
The Ducks have demonstrated a remarkable ability to battle back from deficits, securing their tenth comeback win of the season in a recent game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This places them second in the league for comeback wins, just behind the Philadelphia Flyers. In their game against the Penguins, Anaheim found themselves trailing late in the third period. With only seconds remaining, rookie Beckett Sennecke scored a game-tying goal, sending the game into overtime and eventually a shootout, where the Ducks prevailed. Sennecke's late-game heroics not only secured a crucial point but also etched his name in Ducks' history, tying Scott Niedermayer's record for the latest game-tying goal. The Ducks are also 9-9-1 when allowing the first goal, which is the second-most wins in the league in that category.
Prior to the dramatic win against Pittsburgh, the Ducks secured a 4-3 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals. In that game, Sennecke also contributed significantly, scoring a tying goal and adding an assist. Mason McTavish sealed the win with a shootout goal. These wins highlight the Ducks' tenacity and ability to perform under pressure, solidifying their position atop the Pacific Division.
Trade Winds Blowing?
As the season progresses, trade rumors surrounding the Ducks are starting to surface. Defenseman Radko Gudas' name has recently emerged in trade discussions. Gudas is in the final year of his three-year, $12 million contract, and there has been no word of an extension. While the Ducks appear to be improving and potentially on the verge of playoff contention, Gudas could be a valuable asset for a team seeking defensive depth and experience.
Earlier in the season, there were also rumors about Pavel Mintyukov's future with the team. While Mintyukov is a highly touted prospect, his ice time has been inconsistent, leading to speculation about a potential trade. It remains to be seen whether the Ducks will make any significant moves before the trade deadline, but the team's performance and the development of their young players will likely play a key role in their decision-making process. The possibility of acquiring Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks has also been mentioned, although the competition for him would be fierce.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
The Anaheim Ducks continued their annual tradition of giving back to the community by hosting a holiday shopping spree for deserving students from The Wooden Floor, a Santa Ana-based non-profit organization. This year, 20 students were selected for a VIP shopping experience at a local Target store. Ducks players, including Troy Terry and Jacob Trouba, participated in the event, helping the students pick out gifts for themselves and their families.
The shopping spree has been a longstanding tradition for 18 years, highlighting the Anaheim Ducks Foundation's commitment to supporting the local community. This year, TP-Link, an Anaheim Ducks community partner, gifted each student smart home items. The players spent time signing autographs and taking photos, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
