Anaheim Ducks 2026-2027 Part 2: Defence

While the offense is competitive, the Ducks back-end may be even more impressive. While again, they have an ageing core, they are all still performing at near peak conditions. At the same time, they have some youth infused into the lineup. Simon Edvinsson and Brock Faber continue to improve, as well as Jordan Spence who is knocking at the door. The Anaheim Ducks also feature the highest average points per game by defenders, using NHL Stats from last season, by any team in the RHL. (I dare you to challenge this! Go ahead you, go do the research, go on, try!) Featuring 250 points across 483 games. That is a .518 ppg by defenders!

Brock Faber- Roman Josi

John Carlson – Simon Edvinsson

Jaccob Slavin – Mikey Anderson

Jordan Spence

While it is difficult to assess exactly how the defenders will shake out with their ratings, a rough idea of pairings is in GM VideoJ’s mind. Brock Faber is an all around star and burst onto the scene with 51 points this season. He will definitely be a workhorse for the Anaheim Ducks, playing in all situations as not only a top powerplay option, but also the #1 shut down defender. Alongside him will feature long-time Duck Roman Josi, whose age is starting to show, but with 55 points in 68 games, will provide a dual-threat offensive tandem. Seems as though he won’t be regaining the form he had in 23-24 with his 85 point season, however he still has plenty of gas in the tank for a run to the cup.

Unsigned UFA John Carlson had his first year as an actual Duck in real life. And actually amassed his highest point totals since 21/22! While he has been playing a bit less of TOI than in the past, he looks to continue to be a PP specialist and will  be in the mix with Josi for the top line spot alongside Faber. The 4th D spot is really up for grabs. It looks like Simon Edvinsson will actually eclipse Mikey Anderson for this role, as he provided higher point totals and more time on ice than Michael. He is only 23 and has a huge career ahead of him. We hope to continue seeing his growth moving forward.

As mentioned, Anderson has a quiet year. Not a bad one by any stretch, but just did not take a step forward as we had hoped. On the other hand, Jaccob Slavin took a huge step back and only appeared in 39 games, and so will be having sheltered minutes. We await to see ratings in order to assess his role this year. The real question is will Jordan Spence actually bump out Slavin for a role in this defence. Spence kept similar offensive output in his 25/26 season, but increased his TOI by nearly 2 minutes per game.