Prospect Update: Tristan Luneau

By Thomas Harrington

Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, defenseman Tristan Luneau played for both the Anaheim Ducks and San Diego Gulls this past season.

For the second year in a row, Luneau had a very strong training camp and preseason, leading him to making Anaheim’s opening night roster. He then played in six games for the Ducks before being sent down to San Diego. Luneau was scoreless in those six games and played a season high 19:33 in his second game of the season. Anaheim had a crowded defensive group last year, and the decision was made to send Luneau to San Diego where he could get significantly more playing time in all situations.

After being assigned to the Gulls, Luneau really found his game. He played in 59 games with San Diego, scoring nine goals and 52 points. Despite playing in fewer than 60 games, he still led the Gulls in assists and points, while finishing sixth in the entire AHL in assists. Luneau led all AHL rookies in assists, while finishing tied for sixth in points. Every player that finished with more points than he did was a forward who played more games than he did. Luneau was used primarily on San Diego’s top pair, but saw some time on the second pairing as well. He only missed a handful of games to injury all year. At the end of the season, he was named to the AHL All-Rookie team.

After missing so much time with an injury in the 2023-2024 season, I only had one expectation for Luneau this year, to play as much hockey as possible between the AHL and NHL. He went from a combined 13 games to a combined 65 games. Even taking the points out of the equation, this was a great bounce back season from Luneau.

This will be Luneau’s second full season of professional hockey. He’ll likely once again suit up for both the Ducks and Gulls. The Ducks seem pretty set on defense right now, but Luneau should be the first callup from San Diego when an injury happens. There’s also a chance that he plays well enough during training camp and the preseason and manages to grab a roster spot from someone who was on Anaheim’s roster last season.

I have a couple of expectations for Luneau this coming season. First, for him to set a career high in games played in the NHL. I’m not expecting him to spend the entire year with the Ducks, though it could happen, but he does need to spend a good amount of time in Anaheim this season. Second, when he’s in San Diego, to continue to be one of their top defenders.

With 13 games of NHL experience under his belt, the question for Luneau isn’t how long until he reaches the NHL, it’s how long until he’s a full-time NHL defenseman? It could happen as early as this season. Given how crowded Anaheim’s blueline is looking, I think he’s more likely to play some games in the NHL this year, and then be in line for a full-time roster spot in the 2026-2027 season.

Luneau has two years left on his entry-level contract. Given how his career has gone so far, there’s little doubt in my mind the Ducks will be giving him an extension two years from now. It will likely be a one-way deal, but I don’t think he’ll have done enough to get a long-term contract. Instead, it will likely be a bridge deal.

The next prospect update will be on forward Nathan Gaucher.

Related Articles:

Prospect Update: Calle Clang

Prospect Update: Darels Uljanskis

Prospect Update: Ethan Procyszyn

Prospect Update: Damian Clara

Prospect Update: Sasha Pastujov

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September 14th, 2025