Anaheim d-man Tristan Luneau (53rd overall in 2022) signed a 6-year, $43.2 million ($7.2 million AAV) with the Ducks yesterday, keeping him in Southern California through the 2032-33 season. The deal commences in 2027-28, and Luneau’s entry-level salary results in a cap hit of $865,000 this season.
Despite having just 14 games of NHL experience, General Manager Pat Verbeek emphasized that it was a priority to secure Luneau’s services on a long-term basis. Verbeek and the Ducks’ staff are convinced Luneau will fulfill a top-4 role for the Ducks for years to come. His development, as well as that of other Ducks’ d-men such as Tyson Hinds and Stian Solberg, hastened multiple departures in the off-season, namely Jacob Trouba and John Carlson.
In other NHL news, forward Matthew Knies (57th overall in 2021) wasted no time in paying dividends to Columbus in its recent recent trade for him with Toronto for forward Kirill Marchenko (49th overall in 2018). In his team debut, Knies had 3 points (2G 1A) in helping the Blue Jackets to a 6-3 victory over Buffalo. Reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski added two assists for Columbus, one coming on a goal from forward Adam Fantilli, the recent beneficiary of a lucrative six-year deal ending his brief holdout from pre-season action.
