3 Bold Predictions for the Anaheim Ducks '24-25 Season

The Anaheim Ducks continue their rebuild heading into the 2024-25 season. GM Pat Verbeek was aggressive throughout the offseason, but unfortunately swung and missed on a couple of big name free agents, including Steven Stamkos.

Looking ahead to the new season, the Ducks are still a couple of pieces away from being a playoff team, and with John Gibson shelved to start the year, need Lukas Dostal to showcase his skills that he's ready to take over in net. 

There's a lot to like about these Ducks as they are loaded with young talent. Here's three bold predictions for Anaheim this season:

Cutter Gauthier Scores 20+ Goals

Gauthier joined the Ducks last season after an ugly breakup with the Philadelphia Flyers. He's loaded with high-end skill and should get a look among the Ducks' top six this season. Gauthier is expected to be in the running for the Calder Trophy, for rookie of the year, and with the opportunity in front of him, should surpass 20 goals this season. Gauthier will prove the Verbeek this season, he's someone the team can build around.

Trevor Zegras Hits Career High 70 Points

Last season was rough for Zegras. He ended the year appearing in just 31 games, scoring 15 points. It was a significant drop off in his point-per-game production, but that doesn't mean Zegras can't bounce back in '24-25. With the Ducks having much more high-end skill heading into this year, look for Zegras to capitalize and help push the team forward. His career high is 65 points, this season he ends with 70+.

John Gibson 'Finally' Traded

Once again this offseason was layered with trade rumors as Gibson's name seems like it's been on the block for a few years now. Last season was tough on the American netminder as Dostal pushed him for starts and with Gibson underachieving and signed for $6.4 million AAV, the goaltending dynamic for the Ducks is starting to shift. Gibson has three years left on his deal, he owns a 10-team no-trade clause, but with the Ducks looking to push up the standings, it may be in their best interest to give Gibson a change of scenery. Makes you wonder if things continue to go sour in Boston if Jeremy Swayman is someone the team takes a swing at. 

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images