Ducks Make More Cuts

By Thomas Harrington

The Anaheim Ducks announced a second set of roster cuts on Saturday, assigning forwards Judd Caufield, Nathan Gaucher, Josh Lopina, Sasha Pastujov, Jacob Perreault, and Brayden Tracey to the San Diego Gulls. All of these players are signed to their entry-level contracts with the Ducks and some of them could find themselves back in Anaheim later this season. San Diego’s roster is starting to take shape and will hopefully be much improved over last season. On Sunday, the Ducks claimed defenseman Lassi Thompson off of waivers.

Perreault and Tracey are the two veterans of this group, each having played in San Diego for the past couple of seasons. Both made their NHL debuts in the 2021-2022 season but spent the entirety of last year in the AHL. Both will be looking to get back to the NHL this season and I thought might get a little longer look in camp, especially with the news that Alex Killorn will miss the start of the season. However, the Gulls need bodies as their training camp is about to begin and both should be among San Diego’s better players this season. They don’t need to make Anaheim’s roster out of training camp, but I do think both need to make their way back to the NHL at some point this season. Both players played in two preseason games, with Perreault picking up an assist and Tracey going scoreless.

After making his AHL debut at the end of the 2021-2022 season, Lopina played in 59 AHL games last year, but only recorded four points, matching his point total from his 13 games the previous year. He’s not the most offensively gifted prospect, but it’s important that Lopina improve his offensive numbers this year. He’ll likely spend the entire season in the AHL; he’s not one I would expect to be called up to Anaheim later this year. Lopina played in one preseason game and was scoreless.

Caulfield made his AHL debut at the end of last season, playing in five games with the Gulls. He played in all three games at the rookie tournament and was scoreless. He also appeared in three preseason games and was scoreless. While he’s not a player who is expected to make his NHL debut this year, he has impressed me in the games that I’ve watched. If he has a good enough season in San Diego, he could use that as a springboard to make his NHL debut in the 2024-2025 season.

Both Gaucher and Pastujov are turning pro this year and both are among Anaheim’s better forward prospects. While I don’t think Pastujov is likely to make his NHL debut this year, I do feel like Gaucher has a chance. I’m actually a little surprised by him being cut already. With Isac Lundestrom out to start the year, it felt like there was a real chance he could make the opening night roster. Gaucher played in all three rookie tournament games and scored a goal, while appearing in three preseason games and scoring a goal and two points. Pastujov played in two preseason games and was scoreless.

Thompson is a former first round pick and right-handed shooting defenseman. His addition could mean that the Ducks want someone with more NHL experience on their backend, or it could mean that more of their young defensive prospects have a chance at the NHL and they want more help for San Diego’s defense.

Of this group, Gaucher was the biggest surprise to be cut. However, this probably means that it’s more likely either Benoit-Olivier Groulx or Leo Carlsson makes the opening night roster. The Ducks could also turn to a veteran like Chase De Leo or Glenna Gawdin to fill in instead, but I think the Ducks are hoping one of their prospects takes the last center spot available on the team. Anaheim’s training camp roster is down to 43 players and the battle for roster positions will only become more intense now that we are halfway through the preseason.

Recent Articles:

Ducks Make First Round of Cuts

Ducks Claim Thomas; Place Carrick On Waivers

Listen to our show by visiting us at Podomatic, Rumble, Spreaker, or YouTube.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

October 1st, 2023