The Ducks have reshaped their right-side defense by parting ways with veteran contributors and reshuffling the lineup. With John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, and former captain Radko Gudas no longer in the mix, the responsibility on Luneau is elevated. The organization is eager to see whether the 22-year-old can translate his potential into a reliable, long-term pairing with LaCombe. The emphasis is clear: if Luneau demonstrates that he belongs in a prominent defensive role, the Ducks may avoid the need to pursue an outside trade for improved stability on the right flank.
In a recent interview, Luneau spoke about his ambition to not only crack the roster but also become a long-term option for the franchise. He emphasized the importance of making a strong impression during pre-season and showing the organization the trajectory of his game, particularly as he approaches a contract year. This mindset reflects a broader strategic objective: identifying a dependable, young core that can anchor the defense for years to come.
If Luneau proves ready for a full NHL workload, the Ducks could confidently rely on him as the platform for a top-pairing duo alongside LaCombe. The real question is whether he’ll be able to deliver consistently at the highest level. If he rises to the occasion, Anaheim may not need to look for external upgrades on the right side, allowing LaCombe and Luneau to grow together within the organization’s framework.
On the other hand, if Luneau isn’t ready to assume a prime-time role, the Ducks would face a notable hole on the right side. In that scenario, veteran depth pieces would likely be pressed into more prominent duties, and young defensemen such as Drew Helleson and Ian Moore would be asked to contribute more substantially. While both Helleson and Moore are capable NHL defenders, their current profiles may not perfectly align with the Ducks’ long-term vision for a top-pairing partner for LaCombe. In such a case, Anaheim might have to explore temporary solutions or wait for the right trade or development path to emerge.
The broader reality is that the market for top-pairing right-shot defensemen remains competitive across the league. If Luneau doesn’t meet expectations, the Ducks would still face the usual league-wide pressure to bolster their blue line with a suitable right-shot option. Conversely, a strong, consistent showing from Luneau would tilt the balance toward internal development, reducing urgency to pursue external trades and enabling the organization to build chemistry and continuity around a young, promising pairing.
Looking ahead to next summer, the situation could become more intricate if Luneau enters a contract year with the Ducks. Debates about signing him long-term would surface, requiring the organization to assess his value, potential progression, and market dynamics. If Luneau demonstrates sustained growth, management will need to determine a fair and competitive compensation level that aligns with his development, contribution, and the Ducks’ broader salary structure. If there are questions about fit or pace, a shorter-term arrangement could be considered while evaluations continue, keeping options open for both sides.
Ultimately, the key to the Ducks’ defense success in these years lies in the progression of Tristan Luneau. His development trajectory will largely dictate whether Anaheim can rely on internal growth or whether external moves become necessary to address a potential gap on the right side. The organization will likely monitor his performance closely through training camp and the early part of the season, balancing patience with the need for tangible evidence that he’s ready for prime-time NHL action. If Luneau can deliver the expected progression, the Ducks will be well-positioned to build a durable, effective pairing with LaCombe and avoid disruptive trades, while if the opposite occurs, the team may face a critical decision point about how best to strengthen the defense for the long term.
