With just over a month left until the 2026-27 NHL season kicks off, we can expect to see a lot more action from the Anaheim Ducks. This week, they signed a prospect to an entry-level contract, released their national broadcast schedule, and dropped the home-game promotion schedule. Let’s take a look at the latest happenings in Anaheim.
Cruz Lucius Acquired and Signed
The 22-year-old right wing was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for future considerations. The Ducks paid a small price for a very talented young forward who only continues to improve his game. Lucius was named to the NCHC First All-Conference Team last season; he scored 15 goals and tallied 31 assists for 46 points, the second-most in Arizona State University history.
His collegiate career has been stellar from the start. He began playing at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to Arizona State in his junior year. He had 34 points in as many games in his rookie season, and 34 points in 36 games the following season. The forward will most likely join the American Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls for further development unless he has a standout training camp.
National Broadcast Schedule Announced
While most Ducks games can be viewed locally on KCOP or Victory+, there are seven games this season that will put the team in the national eye. Two games will be featured on TNT, while the other five will be streamed on ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu.
Nationally-broadcast games get more viewership and commentary, increasing the team’s reach and strengthening their branding. These are must-win games for Anaheim, as their performance will create conversation far and wide from both fans and casual viewers. The national broadcast schedule is as follows:
 Thursday, Oct. 29 vs. Buffalo (ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu)
Tuesday, Dec. 22 vs. Vegas (TNT)
Tuesday, Jan. 5 vs. Minnesota (ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu)
Thursday, Jan. 28 vs. Chicago (ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu)
Sunday, March 14 at Chicago (TNT)
Tuesday, March 16 vs. Carolina (ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu)
Thursday, March 18 vs. Utah (ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu)
In addition to the national broadcast schedule, the team released its home-game promotional schedule. This includes giveaways, theme nights, special guest appearances, and other fun events at Honda Center. There are 13 theme nights this season.
The home opener on Oct. 4 is always full of team spirit, high energy, and a lively atmosphere. They give a nod to the Mexican-American community on Nov. 1 with their DÃa de Muertos celebration and a sugar-skull Wild Wing giveaway. Military Appreciation Night and Hockey Fights Cancer Night happen on Nov. 11 and 15, respectively.
Anime Night (Dec. 16) is always popular and features a mystery giveaway. Another mystery giveaway takes place on Jan. 14 as part of Hockey is For Everyone Night. The team celebrates Lunar New Year on Feb. 11, and emo-rock band Pierce the Veil are the guests of honor on Feb. 24. There will be a Pride Party (Feb. 27), CHOCO Day (March 7), Women in Sports Weekend (March 20-21), and Star Wars Night (March 30).
The theme nights conclude with Fan Appreciation Night at the final home game on April 3. There are numerous other giveaways, merch drops, and special appearances this season. The Ducks went all out with 15 theme nights and 19 giveaways, as well as 10 kids’ sock giveaways and six special merch drops.
In the meantime, fans are still waiting for general manager Pat Verbeek and his team to announce an update regarding Cutter Gauthier. He remains unsigned, and other players’ contracts will need to be offloaded to make space for the price the forward is asking for. There has been no movement there yet, but with the offseason nearing an end, we should see a decision sooner rather than later.
The Hockey Writers will cover Gauthier’s contract, the Ducks, and the league as a whole all season long.
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