Ducks Young Star Listed as 'Untouchable' Amid Trade Rumors
The Anaheim Ducks are getting ready for a big offseason following another year that saw them miss the playoffs. Anaheim did take a jump in the standings, but fell short of the goal to reach the postseason.
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The Ducks quickly brought in veteran head coach Joel Quenneville to take over the team, and he is expected to help them end the long drought. Quenneville brings experience behind the bench, but the roster also needs some major upgrades.
Anaheim has been involved in all sorts of trade rumors, and it could see them be very active. But Eric Stephens of The Athletic has listed young star Leo Carlsson as "untouchable" this offseason.
"Coming off his first 20-goal year, in which he pushed his points average up from 0.53 as a rookie to 0.59, Carlsson played a big role for Sweden at the World Championships. He had 10 points in 10 games, including a two-goal effort in the quarterfinals against Czechia and a two-assist game in the bronze medal win over Denmark. And with 29 points in his last 31 Ducks games, he's looking like a No. 1 center moving into his age-21 season.", Stephens said.
Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (11) celebrates with center Leo Carlsson (91) after scoring a goal during the third period of a hockey game against the Dallas Stars at Honda Center. Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images
Carlsson was selected by the Ducks with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The young star has emerged as a true option for Anaheim and seems to be a player that the Ducks want to build around.
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Last season for the Ducks, Carlsson posted 20 goals and 25 assists over 76 games played. The center started to look much more comfortable on the ice down the stretch of the season, and the Ducks would likely be best served to keep him around long-term.
Related: Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Linked to New Eye-Opening Landing Spot
Related: Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Predicted Stanley Cup Final Rematch Last Year
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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