The Anaheim Ducks have secured the future of their blue line by signing defenseman Drew Helleson to a two-year contract extension through the 2026–27 NHL season.
Helleson, 23, was a restricted free agent this offseason. The new deal is worth a reported $2.2 million in total, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $1.1 million. The extension helps the Ducks avoid arbitration and solidifies one of their most promising young defensemen on a team-friendly deal.
The right-shot blueliner played in 56 games during the 2024–25 NHL season, recording 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points. He led all rookie defensemen in plus/minus (+6) and was second in both assists and total points. Helleson also logged significant minutes on the penalty kill, finishing the season with 54:32 of shorthanded ice time — the most among rookie defensemen league-wide.
Drafted 47th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Helleson was acquired by the Ducks in the 2022 trade that sent veteran defenseman Josh Manson to Colorado. Since then, he has developed within the Ducks organization, spending time with the San Diego Gulls (AHL) before becoming a regular presence on Anaheim’s blue line.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 214 pounds, Helleson brings a combination of size, defensive awareness, and composure that fits well into Anaheim’s long-term plans. He previously represented Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics and won gold with the national team at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.
This contract marks a strategic move by Anaheim to build around its young core while maintaining salary cap flexibility. Helleson is expected to play a key role on the Ducks’ third defensive pairing and continue developing into a reliable shutdown option.
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