Prospect Profile: Tim Washe

By Thomas Harrington

An undrafted college free agent, the Anaheim Ducks signed forward Tim Washe on April 14th. After signing with the Ducks, he played in two games to end the season.

Washe had played for five seasons at Western Michigan University. He only played in 13 games in his first year. After that, he never played fewer than 38 games, and played in a career high 42 games this past season, scoring 16 goals and 38 points. He was one of Western Michigan’s alternate captains in the 2023-2024 season and was their captain this past season, leading them to the national championship. Washe was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team and was named the NCAA Best Defensive Forward. He led the NCAA in faceoff win percentage and won the third most faceoffs in the NCAA.

With Anaheim, Washe was scoreless in two games. He played about six and a half minutes in his NHL debut in Minnesota, and followed that up with over nine minutes of ice time in his second game. In the NCAA, Washe was known for his strong work in the faceoff circle, and he won 50% of the draws he took in the two NHL games he played. He lost the only faceoff he took against Minnesota, but won four of seven faceoffs against Winnipeg.

Washe is a strong defensive player who is very good in the faceoff circle. His favorite player growing up was Henrik Zetterberg, and Washe tries to emulate Zetterberg’s two-way play. He was one of the most reliable centers in college hockey this past season, leading to several NHL teams trying to sign him before the Ducks were able to.

This coming season, I think that Washe will play for both Anaheim and San Diego. Depending on what the Ducks do this summer, there could be an opening on the team’s fourth line, and that kind of role could fit him perfectly. However, I also think at some point he’s going to need some time in San Diego. It could be to help him adjust to the pro game early in the season. It’s also possible he hits a wall at some point during the season; it’s not uncommon for former college players because of how many more games are played in the NHL. That could also be a reason for Washe to get some AHL time.

I have a couple of expectations for Washe this coming season, and they will be the same regardless of which league he’s playing in. First, for him to adjust to professional hockey and improve as the season goes. Second, for his defensive game to improve, and especially for him to be good in the faceoff circle.

Washe has already made his NHL debut. Now the question is if he’s ready for a full time job in Anaheim. Personally, I think he’s going to spend much of the upcoming season in San Diego and be one of the first callups to the Ducks, and then have a shot at a permanent roster spot in the 2026-2027 season. However, if he has a strong training camp and makes the opening night roster, there’s a chance he could spend most, if not all, of the year in the NHL.

Despite playing only two games after signing his entry-level deal with Anaheim, Washe is already a restricted free agent. Because of his age, he was only eligible to sign a one-year deal, and by playing in any NHL games that year was used up. Given that the Ducks had to compete with the rest of the league to sign him, there’s no question they will qualify and extend him this summer. It will likely be on a two-way deal for a year or two, but if the Ducks think highly enough of him, it could be a one-way deal for a year or two.

The prospect profiles are now complete. Next up will be the graduated prospects, starting with forward Sam Colangelo.

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June 20th, 2025