The Ducks have now signed both of their arbitration-eligible restricted free agents.
On Friday, the Ducks announced that they signed defenseman Drew Helleson to a two-year extension with a $1.1 million AAV. This comes a day after Lukáš Dostál signed a five-year extension.
Helleson established himself as an NHL-caliber defensemen this past season, receiving a recall in November and never returning to the AHL after that. The then 23-year-old solidified a bottom pair spot alongside fellow Boston College alum Brian Dumoulin and, after a brief stint as a healthy scratch after Jacob Trouba was acquired from the New York Rangers in December, re-entered the lineup and continued to hold down that spot. Pavel Mintyukov became his most common defensive partner after Dumoulin was dealt to the New Jersey Devils at the trade deadline. Helleson also received a Calder vote this offseason.
It’s possible that Helleson filed for arbitration to seek out long-term security after he had nailed down a spot in the Ducks’ lineup. There will be plenty of competition for the right-side bottom pair spot again with Tristan Luneau expected to make the full-time jump to the NHL next season. With Helleson signed, the Ducks now presumably have their blue line set for the 2025-26 season.
Mason McTavish, Sam Colangelo and Tim Washe are now the three restricted free agents left for the Ducks to sign after completing extensions with Dostál and Helleson.
Featured image caption: Apr 3, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (43) against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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