The Anaheim Ducks have announced a significant long-term investment in defenseman Tristan Luneau, signing him to a six-year contract extension worth $43.2 million. This new agreement will pay Luneau an average of $7.2 million per year.
The deal stands out as the largest contract ever finalized with an NHL player who has participated in only 14 career professional games. This substantial commitment reflects the organization's confidence in the 22-year-old blueliner, who was a second-round selection in the 2022 NHL Draft.
General Manager Pat Verbeek highlighted the strategic importance of the signing. Verbeek stated that securing Luneau with a long-term agreement was a high priority, expressing the organization's belief that Luneau is projected to be a top-four defenseman for many years to come. The GM also noted that finalizing the deal before the new season commenced was a critical component of the team's planning for both its immediate future and long-term vision.
Luneau was previously in the final season of his initial three-year entry-level contract, which carried a value of $2.85 million. In his limited NHL appearances, Luneau has recorded two goals and four points. His development has largely taken place with the AHL's San Diego Gulls, where over 135 games, he accumulated 19 goals and 95 points. During his time with the Gulls, Luneau also managed to navigate through various injuries.
For the upcoming season, Luneau is expected to take on an immediate key role, slated to start on the Ducks' top defensive pairing alongside teammate Jackson LaCombe. This placement indicates the team's expectation for him to contribute significantly from the outset of the season.
The Anaheim Ducks, who recently ended a seven-year playoff drought last season, are recognized for their proactive strategy in offering substantial contracts to young, burgeoning talent they believe will form the core of their future roster. This approach is evident in several other high-value deals issued by the franchise.
Jackson LaCombe, for instance, received an eight-year extension valued at $72 million, which became effective this season. At the time of its signing, this represented the largest contract ever distributed by the Ducks franchise. More recently, this record was surpassed during the past offseason when 21-year-old forward Leo Carlsson signed a five-year, $90 million deal through an offer sheet. Carlsson's contract, with an $18 million average annual value, is set to be the largest in the league, though it is projected to be eclipsed at the beginning of the next season when Cale Makar's eight-year, $163.2 million agreement and Macklin Celebrini's five-year, $94 million extension officially take effect. Another significant agreement sees winger Cutter Gauthier entering the first season of his six-year, $81 million deal as the team prepares for its new campaign.
The Ducks will commence their season on Friday with an away game in Vegas.
