Ducks Weigh Trade Deadline Options as Playoff Push Heats Up

Anaheim GM faces tough decisions on young defenseman Mintyukov and veteran forward Kadri

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Anaheim Ducks have surged into playoff position in the Pacific Division, but face a dilemma at the NHL trade deadline. While the team is on the rise, they may not be true Stanley Cup contenders yet. GM Pat Verbeek must decide whether to trade young blueliner Pavel Mintyukov for a veteran forward like Nazem Kadri to bolster the roster for a playoff push, or hold pat and build for the future.

Why it matters

The Ducks' trade deadline decisions will shape the trajectory of the franchise. Dealing Mintyukov could accelerate their playoff hopes, but may come at the cost of long-term development. Acquiring a proven playoff performer like Kadri could provide a veteran presence, but may not be enough to get past the Western Conference elite.

The details

Mintyukov, 22, has struggled in his third NHL season after a promising rookie campaign. Verbeek could look to trade the young defenseman for a veteran forward like Kadri, who has Stanley Cup and playoff experience. Kadri, 35, has 12 goals and 29 assists this season and could provide valuable leadership and two-way play for the Ducks' playoff push.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for March 3, 2026.

The players

Pat Verbeek

The general manager of the Anaheim Ducks, tasked with navigating the team's trade deadline decisions.

Joel Quenneville

The veteran head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, who has brought a winning pedigree to the team.

Pavel Mintyukov

A 22-year-old defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks, whose development has stalled in his third NHL season.

Nazem Kadri

A 35-year-old forward for the Calgary Flames, a former Stanley Cup winner with the Colorado Avalanche who could provide veteran leadership and playoff experience to the Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“It's clear that the Ducks are on the rise and they could be the team to beat in the Pacific Division for several seasons. They appear to have the young talent to fight the up-and-coming San Jose Sharks in future seasons for the top position in the division.”

— Steve Silverman, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“Even if the Ducks can win the division and first two rounds of the playoffs, they will be decisive underdogs against the Avs, Stars or Wild. The addition of Kadri would not be enough to get them past one of those top-level opponents, but it would show Quenneville and his players that the team is doing everything it can to move ahead.”

— Steve Silverman, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Ducks will need to make a decision on Mintyukov and whether to pursue a trade for Kadri or a similar veteran forward ahead of the March 3 trade deadline.

The takeaway

The Ducks face a pivotal trade deadline decision that will shape the franchise's short-term and long-term future. Dealing Mintyukov could accelerate their playoff push, but may come at the cost of developing young talent. Acquiring a veteran like Kadri could provide a boost, but may not be enough to get past the Western Conference elite.