Anaheim Ducks Bolster Defense with Acquisition of Brian Dumoulin
In a move to strengthen their blue line, the Anaheim Ducks have recently acquired veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin from the Seattle Kraken. The deal, which was finalized on Tuesday, sees the Ducks parting with a fourth-round draft pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for the experienced rearguard.
Dumoulin, 32, brings a wealth of experience and a solid defensive presence to the Ducks. The seasoned defenseman spent a decade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he became well-known for his reliability and consistency on the back end. Following his successful stint in Pittsburgh, Dumoulin signed a two-year contract with the Seattle Kraken, a move that highlighted the burgeoning franchise's ambition to add a stable veteran presence to their roster.
During the 2022-23 NHL season, Dumoulin played in 80 games for the Kraken, demonstrating durability and a continued ability to contribute at a high level. He tallied six goals and 10 assists, accumulating a plus-3 rating for the season. His performance was a testament to his ability to adapt and remain effective even as he adds years to his career.
Looking at his NHL career as a whole, Dumoulin has accumulated an impressive 155 points. Over his 626 NHL games, he has scored 25 goals and provided 130 assists. Beyond these offensive numbers, Dumoulin is especially noted for his defensive acumen, which is reflected in his career plus-96 rating. This statistic illustrates his consistent effectiveness in shutting down opposing offenses and contributing to his team's success from the back end.
In Anaheim, Dumoulin will be expected to bring stability and a veteran presence to the Ducks' defensive corps. His experience, particularly in high-stakes situations, is invaluable. Over his time with the Penguins, he was part of a team that consistently contended in the playoffs, bringing a pedigree of winning and resilience to a Ducks team that has been in rebuilding mode.
While the precise details of how Dumoulin will fit into Anaheim’s defensive schemes remain to be seen, his track record suggests he will be a key player both on and off the ice. Known for his strong positional play, effective shot-blocking, and leadership qualities, Dumoulin seems poised to offer a calming and guiding influence for younger Ducks players, while also fortifying the team's defensive strategies.
The Ducks’ decision to trade a future draft pick for an established defenseman underlines the organization's desire to improve immediately rather than waiting for future prospects to develop. For a team looking to turn around its fortunes, bringing in a player of Dumoulin's caliber is a clear signal of their intent to compete at a higher level sooner rather than later.
Overall, the acquisition of Brian Dumoulin by the Anaheim Ducks is a savvy move aimed at bolstering their defensive lineup with a proven and steady veteran. As the new season approaches, the Ducks and their fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how Dumoulin's presence influences the team's performance and contributes to their mission of climbing the NHL standings.