Bruce Boudreau pins Anaheim Ducks' playoff draught on lack of franchise-altering trades

In a recent NHL Network video on X (formerly Twitter), former NHL Head Coach Bruce Boudreau shared his frustration with the Anaheim Ducks. Boudreau said the team's lack of major trades is hurting their playoff chances.

The Ducks had a rough season in the 2023-24 Pacific Division, finishing with 27 wins, 50 losses, and 5 overtime losses. They ended up with just 59 points. Boudreau criticized the team for not making bigger moves. He feels they need to take bold steps to improve.

"I hate to admit it, but I keep waiting for the Anaheim Ducks to start to do something big, to get out of the like, it's been three or four years now where they've just been hovering around the basement and not making the playoffs," Boudreau said.

Boudreau mentioned that adding players like Brian Dublin and Robbie Fabry wasn’t enough. He believes the team needs more significant changes to become competitive. He pointed out that the Ducks were successful in the early 2010, when they had large crowds and strong performances.

"They added Brian Dublin and Robbie Fabry, and that's great. But I want, I want to see them make, make a move to to be that team in Southern California, again, that everybody comes out to see where they they because when they pack their buildings and, and they're fortunate to be really good in the early 2010, 11,12, 13 and right up to 15 and and the fans were great, but I just think they got to do more," Boudreau added.

Boudreau also noted that the minor league team finished last, showing a lack of promising talent. He suggested that the Ducks should surround their young players with experienced veterans to improve their team and standings.

Anaheim Ducks’ potential pick for future NHL expansion draft

Hockey could come back to Arizona in the future, but for now, the NHL has the Utah Hockey Club. The Coyotes are no longer part of the league. When hockey returns to Arizona, it will have its third expansion draft since 2000.

Mock drafts for this future expansion are appearing, and one surprising name is John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson has been with the Ducks since 2014, but his performance has dropped in recent years. His goals against average and save percentages have not been good.

At 31, Gibson has three years left on his $6 million annual contract. With the Anaheim Ducks rebuilding and younger goalies like Lukas Dostal emerging, the team may move on from Gibson. If hockey returns to Arizona, Gibson could be a top pick in the expansion draft.