Anaheim Ducks fans have reason to celebrate as goaltender Lukas Dostal has inked a significant five-year contract with the team. The deal, announced by the Ducks on Thursday, carries an average annual value of $6.5 million, totaling $32.5 million over the contract's term. Dostal himself confirmed the signing in a video released by the team, expressing his excitement to remain in Anaheim for the long term.
"Hello Ducks fans, Lukas Dostal here, super excited to announce that I'm staying in Anaheim for another five years," Dostal said. "I love to play in front of you and love to live in this community. We are a team on the rise and can't wait to see you soon at the Honda Center".
General Manager Pat Verbeek also expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating, "Lukas has proven he is a No. 1 goaltender and we are so pleased to get this deal done. He is just entering the prime of his career with his best hockey ahead of him".
Dostal, who is 25 years old, has emerged as a key player for the Ducks. In the 2024-25 season, he appeared in 54 games, recording a .903 save percentage and a 3.10 goals-against average with one shutout. He also set single-season career bests in wins, appearances, starts, saves (1,467) and minutes (3057:39). His performance this past season solidified his position as the team's starting goalie, especially after John Gibson's trade to the Detroit Red Wings.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Dostal showcased his capabilities, leading NHL goalies in games with 40 or more saves (5), ranking fourth in high-danger saves (350), and seventh in total saves. He was also one of only two NHL goalies aged 24 or younger to achieve 20 or more wins.
Drafted by the Ducks in the third round (85th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, Dostal has played 121 career NHL games with Anaheim, accumulating a 42-58-13 record with two shutouts, a 3.29 GAA, and a .902 SV%. He ranks sixth among all-time Anaheim goaltenders in appearances and starts, seventh in wins, and fifth in saves (3,358).
This new contract signifies the Ducks' confidence in Dostal as their long-term goaltending solution. It also prevents Dostal from going to arbitration, which he previously filed for. With this deal, Dostal is set to represent the Czech Republic at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
