Ducks Commit to Tristan Luneau With Six-Year, $43.2 Million Deal
Anaheim signed 22-year-old defenseman Tristan Luneau to a six-year extension worth $43.2 million, carrying a $7.2 million cap hit starting next season. Luneau has appeared in only 14 NHL games, and Elliotte Friedman reported it is the largest contract ever for a player with that few games. General manager Pat Verbeek said the team views Luneau as a top-four defenseman for years to come.
Anaheim's commitment covers six seasons at $7.2 million annually, beginning after Luneau finishes his entry-level deal and extending through 2032-33. The 22-year-old blueliner has just 14 NHL appearances, with two goals and four points, and spent most of his development with AHL San Diego, where he recorded 52 points in 59 games as a rookie and 41 points in 70 games last season.
The Ducks have an opening on defense after losing Jacob Trouba, Radko Gudas, Olen Zellweger and John Carlson. Luneau joins a broader pattern of locking up young core pieces, including Leo Carlsson, Pavel Mintyukov and Cutter Gauthier. Anaheim opens Friday in Vegas.
This deal may shape how NHL teams approach extensions for young defensemen with limited NHL experience, potentially raising expectations in future negotiations. Anaheim fans could view it as a signal of faith in the club's rebuild, while other players and agents may cite it when seeking comparable pay. If Luneau develops into a top-four contributor, the contract could look efficient; if not, it may constrain the Ducks' roster flexibility. The broader impact likely remains within hockey's labor and fan communities rather than society at large.