Anaheim Ducks Olympic Review: Post-Games Player Power Rankings
The 2026 Winter Olympics offered a thrilling interlude in the NHL season, providing hockey fans with high-stakes international competition. For followers of the Anaheim Ducks, it was a unique opportunity to watch some of their key players and promising prospects compete on the global stage. After a period of fluctuating performance in the regular season, seeing Ducks players don their national colors and vie for Olympic glory was a refreshing change of pace, sparking renewed interest and speculation about the team's future.
Now that the medals have been awarded and players are returning to their NHL clubs, it's time to evaluate how Anaheim's contingent performed. These post-Olympic power rankings consider not just individual statistics, but also impact, development trajectory, and the potential ripple effects on the From Gold to Game-Changers: Ranking Ducks' Olympic Impact as the regular season resumes. Understanding these performances is crucial for anyone following Ducks Post-Olympics: Ranking Players & Their Future Impact.
Anaheim Ducks Post-Olympic Player Power Rankings
5. Jackson LaCombe – Gold Medalist, Future Anchor
Kicking off our Anaheim Ducks rankings is defenseman Jackson LaCombe. While he proudly secured a gold medal with Team USA, LaCombe’s Olympic experience was bittersweet for Ducks fans, as he unfortunately did not see any ice time during the tournament. Despite being part of the gold-medal winning squad, his role was limited to that of an emergency reserve, a testament to the depth of the American blue line. This meant his participation was ultimately a non-factor in terms of on-ice contribution for the tournament itself.
However, being selected for the Olympic team at such an early stage in his career speaks volumes about his potential and the high regard in which he's held. For a young defenseman, simply being immersed in the Olympic environment, practicing alongside elite NHL talent, and experiencing the pressure of international competition—even from the bench—can be an invaluable learning experience. This exposure bodes well for his continued development within the Ducks organization and certainly puts him in a strong position to contend for a roster spot on the 2030 USA Olympic team. For the Ducks, it reaffirms their belief in his long-term role as a foundational piece on their defense.
4. Damian Clara – Italy's Unyielding Wall
Emerging as one of the tournament's most compelling underdog stories, Ducks prospect Damian Clara made an undeniable statement between the pipes for Team Italy. Faced with overwhelming odds and an opponent disparity in every game, Clara never gave up, showcasing immense resilience and poise for a young goaltender.
Statistically, Clara's performance demands context. He finished the Olympics facing the third most shots of any goaltender, an astounding 146, which is a testament to the defensive challenges his team faced. While his 5.13 goals-against average (GAA) might not appear flattering at first glance, it was largely a byproduct of Italy's struggle to contain elite offensive teams. More telling was his remarkable .911 save percentage, which, when considering the sheer volume and quality of shots he faced, was better than some everyday NHL starting netminders during the same period. This incredible performance against significant pressure highlights his mental toughness and technical skill. With more development time in the Ducks' system, coupled with improved defensive support, Clara could very well evolve into a more than suitable backup option for Lukas Dostal, or even a future starter, solidifying the Anaheim Ducks rankings for prospects.
3. Lukas Dostal – Glimpses of Greatness for Czechia
Lukas Dostal, the Ducks' current backup, had an Olympics that presented a mixed bag of results for Team Czechia. His base numbers—a .886 save percentage and a 3.72 goals-against average—don't fully capture the narrative of his tournament. While he battled inconsistencies, Dostal truly shone brightest when it mattered most, delivering his strongest performance in net during the high-stakes quarter-final round against hockey powerhouse Team Canada.
In that pivotal game, Dostal was spectacular, making 37 saves and posting an impressive .902 save percentage, keeping Czechia within striking distance of a monumental upset. The hockey world held its breath as he nearly backstopped his team to victory. The lingering question, and a testament to his near-heroic effort, remains: what if he had stopped that Mitch Marner backhand shot in overtime? It was a moment that could have changed the trajectory of the tournament for Czechia, allowing them to pull off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history. Despite the loss, Dostal's ability to elevate his game under immense pressure against elite competition is a valuable takeaway for the Ducks. It demonstrates his capacity to perform in big moments, a crucial trait for a goaltender looking to establish himself as a primary option in the NHL.
2. Radko Gudas – The Game-Changer
As the captain of the Anaheim Ducks and an alternate captain for Team Czechia, Radko Gudas entered the Olympics expected to bring his signature physical presence. While his offensive output was modest—only registering one assist with nine shots in five games—Gudas's impact was felt in a far more profound, and controversial, way. His thunderous hit in the quarter-final game against Team Canada, which unfortunately knocked Sidney Crosby out of the tournament, sent shockwaves through the hockey world.
This single play, while certainly sparking debate, undeniably changed the momentum and, arguably, the course of the entire tournament, easing Team USA's path to the gold medal. Prior to the Olympics, there was much discussion about Gudas's ability to deliver a game-changing hit, but few anticipated it would alter the landscape of the medal rounds so dramatically. For the Ducks, this performance reaffirms Gudas's unique value: he's a player whose impact extends far beyond the scoresheet. His fearless, physical style and veteran leadership are invaluable, whether he's wearing the 'C' for Anaheim or an 'A' for his national team. This aggressive, momentum-shifting play is precisely why the Ducks rely on him to set a physical tone and make opponents think twice, a quality that certainly elevates his standing in any Anaheim Ducks rankings for impact players.
1. Mikael Granlund – Finland's Golden Leader
With all due respect to Jackson LaCombe's gold medal, Mikael Granlund takes top honors in our Ducks post-Olympic power rankings. As the captain for Team Finland, Granlund exemplified veteran leadership and contributed significantly to his nation's bronze medal campaign. His tournament performance was a masterclass in two-way hockey, seamlessly blending offensive production with reliable defensive play.
Granlund registered three points (two goals, one assist) throughout the tournament, averaging a healthy 17:16 in ice time while primarily skating on the second line. While he didn't register a point in the bronze medal game against Team Slovakia, his consistent contributions throughout the preliminary rounds and critical playoff games were instrumental in Finland's overall success. Bringing a medal home is a significant achievement, one that undoubtedly made a celebrated Ducks legend—perhaps even the great Teemu Selanne—proud to see a fellow Finn and former Duck wearing the 'C' and excelling on the Olympic stage. Granlund's performance underscores his value as a seasoned, clutch player who can elevate his game in high-pressure situations, a quality the Ducks will lean on heavily as they push through the remainder of their NHL season.
Beyond the Medals: Impact on the Ducks' Season
The 2026 Winter Olympics were indeed a wild ride, with the men's hockey tournament exceeding anticipation and delivering captivating drama. For Anaheim Ducks fans, it was a welcome diversion from the regular season's struggles. After years of watching the Ducks flounder and miss the postseason, having high-stakes games to be invested in—where their players were genuinely competing for something significant—was a refreshing change of pace and a much-needed morale boost.
The return of these players, invigorated by Olympic experience and, in some cases, a medal, could provide a subtle yet significant lift to the Ducks' locker room. Granlund's leadership and medal, Gudas's unapologetic physicality, Dostal's big-game potential, and Clara's breakout performance all add layers of experience and confidence that can only benefit the club. LaCombe, despite limited ice time, gained invaluable exposure to elite-level preparation. These experiences, whether triumphant or challenging, offer fresh perspectives and renewed energy as the team transitions back to the grind of the NHL season.
Looking Ahead: The Ducks' Future Trajectory
The performances of these players on the Olympic stage provide valuable insights into the Anaheim Ducks' organizational depth and future potential. Damian Clara's emergence as a top goaltending prospect, for instance, adds another exciting piece to the Ducks' long-term plan in net. Jackson LaCombe's selection, even without playing, reaffirms the belief in his trajectory as a core defenseman.
For the veteran players like Granlund and Gudas, their Olympic showing reinforces their continued importance to the team, not just for their on-ice contributions but for the leadership and winning mentality they bring. As the Ducks continue their rebuild, integrating these high-level international experiences will be crucial. It helps to instill a culture of expectation and performance, traits vital for a team aiming to compete for the playoffs and eventually, the Stanley Cup. The journey back to contention is long, but these Olympic performances are small, positive steps in the right direction for the Anaheim Ducks rankings in the league.
The Anaheim Ducks resume their regular season on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, carrying with them the memories, lessons, and renewed vigor from the Winter Olympics. This international interlude has provided a unique lens through which to view their roster, highlighting strengths and potential for growth. It will be fascinating to see how these individual Olympic experiences translate into team performance as the Ducks push towards the season's end. See you on the other side of this exciting chapter in Ducks hockey.