The Anaheim Ducks made a significant move during the offseason, acquiring defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. In exchange for Lyubushkin, the Ducks sent a fourth-round draft choice in 2025 to Buffalo. This move comes as part of the team’s efforts to strengthen their defense and make a push for the playoffs.
At 29 years old, Ilya Lyubushkin brings valuable experience to the Ducks’ blueline. He has spent five years in the NHL, starting his North American career with the Arizona Coyotes in 2018. After a brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022, he signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Buffalo Sabres in July of the same year.
The Ducks’ general manager, Pat Verbeek, expressed his excitement about the acquisition of Lyubushkin. Verbeek believes that Ilya’s presence on the blueline will add toughness and physicality to the team. Additionally, Lyubushkin’s ability to kill penalties will make the Ducks a more challenging team to play against.
During his time with the Sabres, Lyubushkin proved to be a valuable asset on the ice. In the 2022-2023 season, he recorded 14 points in 68 games, leading Buffalo’s defensemen in hits and blocked shots per 60 minutes of play. His contributions as a penalty-killer were also noteworthy, further demonstrating his defensive capabilities.
The addition of Ilya Lyubushkin is part of the Ducks’ larger plan to revamp their blue line and improve their overall defensive performance. In addition to Lyubushkin, the team also signed defensemen Radko Gudas and Robert Hägg during the offseason. These moves are aimed at addressing the weaknesses in the Ducks’ defense, which was considered one of the least impressive in the NHL last season.
The Anaheim Ducks have had a disappointing run over the past five seasons, failing to make the playoffs. However, with the recent acquisitions on the blueline, the team is determined to turn things around. The combination of Lyubushkin’s defensive prowess and the overall strengthening of the defense gives the Ducks a stronger chance of securing a playoff spot and making a deep postseason run.
As the Ducks prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Ilya Lyubushkin brings renewed hope to the team and its fans. His experience, physicality, and penalty-killing abilities will be vital assets in the Ducks’ pursuit of playoff success. With a revamped defense and talented roster, the Anaheim Ducks are poised for a strong performance in the upcoming season.
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