AVANDATIMES.COM – The Anaheim Ducks announced Thursday a four-year, $15 million contract extension for forward Ryan Poehling, securing his presence through the 2029-30 NHL season. This significant deal comes as the 27-year-old has become a vital component of the Ducks’ roster during their pursuit of a playoff berth.
Poehling has demonstrated strong performance in his first season with Anaheim, contributing seven goals and 17 assists across 54 games. His value extends beyond offensive statistics, as he has established himself as a top penalty killer and a reliable defensive forward for the team.
The Ducks initially acquired Poehling last June from the Philadelphia Flyers. This trade involved sending fan-favorite center Trevor Zegras, a former first-round pick, to Philadelphia along with a second-round draft pick.
While the departure of Zegras, orchestrated by General Manager Pat Verbeek, initially met with discontent among some Anaheim supporters, Poehling’s consistent play in a key depth role has helped mitigate that disappointment. AvandaTimes notes that his contributions have been instrumental in the Ducks’ current second-place standing, positioning them firmly in contention for their first playoff appearance since the 2017-18 season.
Before joining Anaheim, Poehling’s NHL journey included stints with two other franchises. He was originally a first-round selection by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2017 NHL Draft. Following his time in Montreal, he played one season with the Pittsburgh Penguins before signing with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent in 2023, where he achieved career highs of 12 goals and 19 assists last season.
The new contract represents a substantial raise for Poehling, who was previously playing under a two-year, $3.8 million agreement. This extension solidifies his long-term commitment to the Ducks, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his continued impact.