Ducks News & Rumors: Sennecke, Suchanek, Pacioretty & More – Hockey Writers – Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks’ injury woes from the 2023-24 season have extended to the team’s pool. Shortly after the team announced its 2024 Rookie Faceoff lineup, it was revealed that right-hander Beckett Sennecke and goaltender Tomas Suchanek would be unavailable, with both facing extended absences.

There is also reported interest in Max Pacioretty going to training camp on a professional tryout agreement (PTO), the signing of a new netminder, and a renegotiation of Olympic eligibility.

Sennecke broke his foot during training and is expected to be out for about six to eight weeks. The Ducks selected the 18-year-old forward with the No. 1 overall pick. 3 in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He was not expected to make the transition to the NHL this coming season, and the injury will keep him out of the starting lineup for the 2024-25 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season. His recovery time could delay his appearance until the end of October. The talented player tallied 27 goals and 41 assists in 63 regular season contests for the Oshawa Generals in 2023-24. He added 10 markers and 22 points in 16 OHL playoff games.

Unfortunately, he won’t be able to participate in on-ice activities during Anaheim’s 2024 Rookie Camp. Additionally, he will not participate in games against the prospects of the Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, and Los Angeles Kings in the Rookie Faceoff tournament.

Suchanek Could Miss All Season, Ducks Add Dansk

Suchanek underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and is expected to be sidelined for about six to eight months. If he enters the eight-month stretch, the 21-year-old netminder could miss the entire 2024-25 season. He was a bright spot for the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL) last campaign, registering a 14-10-5 record with a 2.92 goals-against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage (SV%) across the board. 29 appearances.

From being an undrafted standout in the 2023 Rookie Faceoff to finally landing an entry-level contract with the Ducks, Suchanek’s journey has been an interesting one. Sadly, he may not get much time to continue his development in 2024-25, even if he recovers quickly from his knee procedure.

Related: 4 Under-the-Radar Ducks to Watch in Training Camp

The Ducks signed Oscar Dansk to a one-year, two-way contract as an insurance policy. The 30-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Calgary Wranglers of the AHL. He posted an 11-12-3 mark with a 3.22 GAA and .897 SV% over 27 games played last campaign. In six NHL seasons, he has a 4-1-0 record with a 3.10 GAA and a .906 SV%. Dansk will provide the Ducks with a depth option between the pipes, and will compete with Calle Clang and Vyacheslav Buteyets for playing time for the Gulls.

Ducks Want to Invite Pacioretty to Camp?

According to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, the Ducks were rumored to be considering extending Pacioretty an invitation to training camp for a tryout. According to reports, the 35-year-old would rather sign a regular contract than have the uncertainty of a PTO hanging over him.

The time for Pacioretty to decide his future is fast approaching, as training camps open in a few weeks. He has also been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings. Unless the Ducks offer more guarantees or more years, both of which are unlikely, Pacioretty will likely want to join a contender.

Regenda Helps Slovakia Qualify for Olympics

Slovakia, Denmark, and Latvia earned spots at the 2026 Winter Olympics with undefeated records in three qualifying round games since Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Slovakia’s Pavol Regenda scored the game-winning goal against Kazakhstan on Sunday (Sept. 1). He produced two goals in three contests during the tournament. The 24-year-old striker has become a fixture for Slovakia on the international stage, appearing in three consecutive IIHF World Championships and taking home a bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, China. Without building momentum during the Olympic qualifiers, Regenda will likely begin the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL due to a lack of roster spots.

Former Anaheim and current Carolina Hurricanes point guard Frederik Andersen contributed a 1.31 GAA and .938 save percentage in three starts to help secure Denmark’s spot in the 2026 Olympics. The Danes defeated Norway 4-1 to complete the qualifying round. Stian Solberg, the No. 23 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Ducks, had two assists in the Norwegian’s three games in the tournament. He was omitted from the 2024 Rookie Faceoff roster because he is in training camp with Farjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League.

Preparing for Training Camp

Not being able to see Sennecke and Suchanek with the big team is disappointing, but assuming there aren’t any other surprises, the Ducks should be healthy when they report to training camp. Battling injuries throughout the season has been a major stumbling block for the players and head coach Greg Cronin in 2023-24. Hopefully the club doesn’t have to deal with any significant misses ahead of next season.