Last season, the Ducks surpassed the Kings as the best team in California. Could they reclaim that title better than their rival from the I-5 Freeway?
The Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks enter the 2026–27 season following major roster shifts. Los Angeles bolstered its lineup by signing Mats Zuccarello, Erik Haula, Corey Perry, and Erik Gustafsson, while maintaining Artemi Panarin for a full season. Meanwhile, Anaheim suffered key offseason departures, losing forwards Chris Kreider and Mason McTavish alongside defensemen John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, Radko Gudas, and Olen Zellweger.
Despite losing several contributors, Anaheim retains rising young stars Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, who combined for 136 points last season. However, the Ducks are projected to miss forward Troy Terry until at least December following June surgery, providing the Kings an early advantage in California.
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