The Anaheim Ducks have secured a key defenseman ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, signing him to a two-year deal after typical offseason rumors. The California-based franchise locked in the contract as part of its plans for a new campaign with renewed expectations.
The player extending his contract with the Ducks is none other than 24-year-old defenseman Drew Helleson, who will now remain with Anaheim through the end of the 2026–27 NHL season. After two seasons with the franchise, Helleson is now set for four total campaigns with the team.
The young blueliner has quietly established himself as a reliable piece on Anaheim’s defense. During the 2024–25 season, he appeared in 56 games, recording four goals and nine assists, and posted a +6 rating—strong numbers among rookie defensemen.
How much will Helleson earn with the Ducks?
The most relevant detail was reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, who revealed that Helleson’s contract is worth a total of $2.2 million, with an annual cap hit of $1.1 million. The deal avoided arbitration, a sign of Anaheim’s confidence in his role as the team’s sixth or seventh defenseman.
Drew Helleson of the Ducks
Helleson’s impact on the Ducks
Since making his NHL debut during the 2022–23 season, Helleson has shown steady progress. In total, he has registered five goals, nine assists, and a +6 rating across 59 regular-season games. His development has also included AHL experience with the San Diego Gulls.
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Helleson was originally selected by the Colorado Avalanche with the 47th overall pick in the 2019 Draft but was traded to Anaheim along with a second-round pick in exchange for Josh Manson in March 2022. He also represented Team USA at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and won gold at the 2021 World Junior Championship.
