The Anaheim Ducks locked in one of their breakout young forwards while another fresh draft pick made a surprise move ahead of the new season.
Sam Colangelo Signs 2-Year Deal Through 2026–27
The Ducks have signed right winger Sam Colangelo to a two-year contract, which is two-way in 2025–26 and becomes one-way in 2026–27.
Colangelo, 23, had a solid showing in 2024–25, putting up 10 goals and 2 assists in 32 NHL games with Anaheim. His .31 goals per game ranked third among all NHL rookies, and he truly caught fire down the stretch — scoring 9 goals in his final 18 games.
Before sticking in the NHL, Colangelo tore up the AHL with San Diego, recording 22 goals and 18 assists in 40 games and earning a spot at the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic. He was one of the few rookies in the AHL to hit a point-per-game pace (1.00), showing the Ducks he was ready to contribute at the next level.
Drafted 36th overall in 2020, the 6-foot-2 winger brings size, scoring touch, and a knack for getting hot at the right time. His contract is a win-win: flexibility for the team now, and reward potential for the player later.
Ducks 1st Rounder McQueen Commits to NCAA
In a surprising move, Roger McQueen, Anaheim’s 9th overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft, has officially committed to play for Providence College (NCAA) in 2025–26.
McQueen, a towering 6-foot-5 center, had his 2024–25 WHL season cut short due to injury while playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Despite the setback, he remained one of the top power forwards available in the 2025 Draft and still went in the first round.
His decision to leave the WHL for the NCAA — confirmed August 2 — reflects a new shift in the hockey landscape. Thanks to recent eligibility rule changes, players like McQueen can now switch leagues after their draft year, opening more development paths.
For the Ducks, this gives McQueen extra time to build his game at a top NCAA program, while still keeping his rights in Anaheim’s system. For the WHL, it’s another tough loss — one of their best young centers now heading south of the border.
Coach Frenchy’s Take
“Colangelo is earning it the right way — grinding in the AHL, scoring in bunches, and now getting his reward. As for McQueen? The Ducks bet big at the draft, and now they’ll have to wait a bit longer. But if he stays healthy and dominates college, it could be the best of both worlds.”
