Anaheim

Ducks

“I mean it’s probably part of the plan, but I’m not going to look too far ahead,” Klingberg said Monday. “I want to get long term at the end of the day. Right now, I’m signing (for) one year at Anaheim and we’re going to have to take it from here. I can’t focus on what’s going to be there in one year. It has to be this season. Obviously, I’m going to need to have a good season and the team is going to need to have a good season as well. If the team’s successful, I’m going to be successful. I had a great talk with (Ducks general manager) Pat Verbeek as well, with where we think it’s going to be at with the team in the future. We’re going to take this year to start off with and see where we’re at.” Klingberg recorded six goals, 47 points, 139 shots, 77 blocks and 57 hits in 74 games during the 2021-22 season as a member of the Dallas Stars.

The financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but Klingberg will reportedly make $7 million. Klingberg is a terrific puck moving defenseman who excels on the power play. He had six goals and 47 points in 74 contests in 2021-22. “We are extremely excited to add John to our group,” said Ducks GM Pat Verbeek. “John is a gifted player who can quarterback a power play and give us needed scoring from the blueline. He also adds veteran leadership and character to our team.”

Anaheim took Gaucher with the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He had 57 points and 74 penalty minutes in 66 QMJHL games with the Quebec Remparts. Gaucher already has NHL size and after some more time developing, he could turn into a middle-six forward at the NHL level who is responsible at both ends of the ice.

Juolevi had no points in 18 games with Florida and Detroit last season. He did register an assist in three games with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.

Lundestrom had 16 goals and 29 points in 80 games last season. He filed for salary arbitration, but his scheduled hearing is now unnecessary.

Benoit had a goal and five points in 53 games with Anaheim in 2021-22. He’s projected to enter training camp in a competition for a third-pairing spot.

Vaakanainen had six assists in 29 games with the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins last season. The Ducks got him from Boston back in March as part of the Hampus Lindholm trade.

Eriksson Ek posted a 3.44 GAA and .880 save percentage in 26 AHL games in 2021-22. The 23-year-old goaltender hasn’t made his NHL debut.

“I’d like to add another forward,” Ducks GM Pat Verbeek said. “We’re exploring adding another defenseman. So there’s two players that we’re looking to get. I’m making sure they’re a good fit for our team.” So far the Ducks have inked forwards Ryan Strome to a five-year, $25 million contract and Frank Vatrano to a three-year, $10.95 million deal. Even after those signings though, Anaheim has plenty of cap space.

Lundestrom completed a one-year, $874,125 contract in 2021-22. In 80 games, he generated 16 goals, 29 points, 83 shots and 55 blocks.