The Anaheim Ducks have made a significant move to bolster their defensive depth by acquiring veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin from the Seattle Kraken. The trade, which was finalized on Tuesday, sees the Ducks parting with a fourth-round draft pick in 2026 to secure the services of the experienced blueliner.
A Veteran Presence
Brian Dumoulin, 32, brings a wealth of experience to the Ducks' roster. Having spent a decade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he developed into a reliable and steady defenseman, Dumoulin's presence is expected to provide stability on the Anaheim blue line. In his career, Dumoulin has played 626 NHL games, scoring 25 goals and registering 130 assists. His career plus-96 rating is a testament to his ability to play effectively at both ends of the ice.
Recent Performance
After leaving the Penguins, Dumoulin signed a two-year contract with the Seattle Kraken, where he continued to display his dependable play. During the 2022-23 season with the Kraken, Dumoulin appeared in 80 games, contributing six goals and 10 assists, along with a plus-3 rating. His performance underscored his continued value as a top-four defenseman capable of playing significant minutes.
Impact on the Ducks
The addition of Dumoulin is expected to have a positive impact on the Ducks, both on and off the ice. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the younger players on the team, and his solid defensive play will add much-needed depth to Anaheim's blue line. As the Ducks look to improve upon their previous season, having a player of Dumoulin's caliber could be a crucial step forward.
In his NHL career, Dumoulin has amassed a total of 155 points, with a well-balanced mix of offensive and defensive contributions. His experience in high-pressure situations, including playoff runs with the Penguins, will be a significant asset as the Ducks aim to return to contention in the Western Conference.
Looking Ahead
For the Seattle Kraken, trading Dumoulin for a future draft pick indicates a commitment to building for the long term. The fourth-round pick in 2026 provides the Kraken with valuable future assets as they continue to shape their roster in the coming years. Meanwhile, the Ducks are banking on Dumoulin's immediate impact to aid their defensive core.
As the offseason progresses, both teams will continue to make moves to improve their rosters. For Brian Dumoulin, the transition to Anaheim represents a new chapter in his career, one where his experience and skill will be called upon to help lead a young team forward. Ducks fans can look forward to seeing his steady play on the ice, hoping it translates into a stronger defensive performance for the team.