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Massive contracts, high expectations. Ducks aim to improve after breakout season

Following a surprising run to the second round of the postseason, the Ducks enter the new campaign under heightened expectations from coach Joel Quenneville. The squad previously broke a franchise mark for losing seasons before setting a new club record with 273 goals last year, ultimately falling to the Vegas Golden Knights.

General manager Pat Verbeek responded to the roster's breakout performance by distributing massive extensions, headlined by center Leo Carlsson landing a five-year, $90-million deal after matching offers from the Flyers. Additional major financial commitments went to Cutter Gauthier, Pavel Mintyukov, and Tim Washe, though the heavy spending forced out veterans such as Chris Kreider, John Carlson, Radko Gudas, and Olen Zellw.

Captain Mikael Granlund and goaltender Lukas Dostal both expressed lofty goals of capturing the Stanley Cup as the team prepares to open its schedule in Las Vegas against the Golden Knights.

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