SAN DIEGO, Calif. — After finishing his first full season with the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim Ducks prospect Noah Warren returned home to Quebec with a clear plan for the off-season.

He now lives in Quebec City with his girlfriend and is training alongside fellow Ducks prospects Tristan Luneau and Nathan Gaucher. Together, the three have built a steady summer routine, focused on getting stronger, faster, and more comfortable heading into next season.

Warren took a few weeks off after the year ended before easing back into the gym. He waited about six weeks before returning to the ice, using the time to recover both physically and mentally.

Now, his focus is on adding size and working on agility, especially in tight spaces.

He’s also sharpening details in his game by scrimmaging with other pros from the NHL, AHL, and Europe in a small competitive league nearby.

He’s found ways to stay active outside the gym as well. On weekends, he heads back to Montreal to go biking with his dad and brother, and mixes in casual games of pickleball to keep things light.

Reflecting on his rookie campaign, Warren pointed to consistency as his biggest point of pride.

He earned regular minutes in San Diego, something that doesn’t come easily for first-year players. The biggest adjustment, he said, was learning to bring full effort every night.

In juniors, players can get away with less. At the AHL level, any drop-off is exposed.

The physicality was another shift. While Warren’s size gave him an edge in juniors, he had to adjust to stronger, more experienced opponents who lean into contact just as much as he does.

GARY A. VASQUEZ (IMAGN IMAGES)

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He’s now focused on keeping his game simple. That means clean first passes, strong positioning, and knowing when to use his frame to close gaps or win battles.

With Ducks training camp ahead, his goal is to make a strong impression and hopefully earn his first NHL appearance this season.

Training with Luneau is a connection that began years back.

They played together with the Montréal Ice Storm and were paired again in Gatineau with the Olympiques. In 2022, the Ducks selected both in the second round of the NHL Draft — Warren at 42nd overall and Luneau at 53rd.

While Anaheim didn’t set out to draft teammates, the organization valued what each brought to the table. Assistant GM Martin Madden described Warren as a prototypical, physical defenseman and praised Luneau for his hockey IQ and ability to move the puck.

That contrast in style has continued to complement each other at the pro level. Luneau, now 21, played 59 games with the Gulls last season, posting an impressive 52 points from the blue line. He also appeared in six games with the Ducks. According to Warren, once Luneau found his footing, he quickly emerged as one of San Diego’s most dynamic players.

“I think for him it was just about getting comfortable,” Warren said. “Tristan had a really good year. Once he settled in, he was unstoppable.”

When it comes to defensive pairings, Warren said he thrives with partners who play an offensive style. That allows him to stay home, anchor the defensive zone, and read the play. But more important than style, he said, is communication. At the pro level, decisions need to be made quickly, and talking through plays can make all the difference.

Warren credited head coach Matt McIlvane and assistant Bret Hedican for creating a strong development environment in San Diego. He appreciates McIlvane’s direct coaching style and Hedican’s NHL background, saying both brought structure and insight to the blue line group.

Away from the rink, Warren keeps a more reserved presence, but he’s embraced the team atmosphere. His pregame routine usually includes rice and salmon. He named Tyson Hinds as the best locker room DJ and called Sasha Pastujov the funniest teammate. Travis Howe got the nod as the best chirper on the team. When he’s not training or at the rink, Warren enjoys pizza as a cheat meal and said Waba Grill became a go-to spot during the season. He spent most of the year rooming with Niko Myatovic, and the two watched Dexter together to wind down between games.

Warren mentioned that Pastujov was known for pulling harmless pranks, like tying up teammates’ skates or slipping water cups into their helmets.

With his first pro season now behind him, Warren is focused on taking another step. The structure is in place, the tools are developing, and he’s doing everything he can to be ready when the next opportunity arrives.

Austin Gibbons covers Anaheim Ducks prospects as an analyst for The Sporting Tribune. Explore his ongoing coverage for in-depth analysis and features on the organization’s top young talent.