The Anaheim Ducks announced on the opening day of 2025 NHL free agency that they signed veteran forward Mikael Granlund to a three-year contract that carries an AAV of $7 million.

There’s something to be said, though, for filling out a roster with real, live, proven NHL contributors, especially when you’ve got a few foundational pieces in place. In Anaheim, those are Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier and, hopefully, a defenseman or two. And they’ve all already spent more than enough time losing games.

The Ducks missed out on the biggest names in free agency despite owner Henry Samueli’s guarantee of a blank check, but the versatile Finn adds consistent scoring to a team that finished 30th in