The 2024-25 NHL season saw the Anaheim Ducks make several trades aimed at improving their team dynamic and future prospects. Finishing the season with a 35-37-10 record, the Ducks showed noticeable improvement, and these trades played a significant role in that progress. Key players like Urho Vaakanainen, Cam Fowler, and Brian Dumoulin were moved, each experiencing different outcomes with their new teams.
Urho Vaakanainen, a Finnish defenseman, had spent four partial seasons with the Ducks before being traded to the New York Rangers in December 2024 in exchange for Jacob Trouba. During his time in Anaheim, Vaakanainen played 110 games, amassing only 19 points but notably scoring his first NHL goal. The move to the Rangers proved beneficial for Vaakanainen, providing him with a fresh environment to enhance his skills. In 46 games with the Rangers, he scored 15 points (two goals, 13 assists), nearly matching his total points from multiple seasons with the Ducks. This performance was particularly impressive, considering the Rangers were underperforming for much of the season, highlighting Vaakanainen's positive impact.
Cam Fowler, a long-time defenseman for the Ducks, was traded to the St. Louis Blues shortly after the acquisition of Trouba. Fowler had been with Anaheim since the 2010-11 season and reached a career-high of 48 points (10 goals, 38 assists) in the 2022-23 season. However, his performance had begun to decline, making him a prime candidate for a trade, especially with the surplus of defensemen after Trouba's arrival.
Brian Dumoulin was traded to the New Jersey Devils for forward prospect Herman Traff and a conditional 2025 second-round pick. General Manager Pat Verbeek emphasized the difficulty of the decision, stating that he wanted to give the team every opportunity to win before making the trade. Ultimately, the deal was made to acquire Traff, a big, skilled forward with good hockey sense and a physical edge, who Verbeek sees as a valuable future asset for the team.
The Ducks also acquired defenseman Oliver Kylington from the New York Islanders for future considerations. This move added depth to their defensive lineup and provided Kylington with a new opportunity.
These trades reflect the Anaheim Ducks' strategic efforts to retool their roster, balancing immediate performance with long-term development. While some players found new success with their respective teams, the Ducks focused on acquiring prospects and draft picks to build a stronger foundation for the future.
