The Anaheim Ducks recently activated winger Frank Vatrano off injured reserve as they aim to improve their struggling season. This activation coincides with center Mikael Granlund being placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. Vatrano had been sidelined since December 27 with a shoulder injury that kept him out of 22 games.
Challenges Faced by Vatrano This Season
The 31-year-old forward has endured a difficult 2025-26 campaign, having scored only three goals and six points in 38 games so far. Once a prolific scorer with 37 goals and an All-Star selection two years ago, Vatrano now confronts a diminished role on the team. Despite consistently reaching at least 20 goals each season since joining the Ducks as a free agent in 2022, it seems unlikely he will hit that mark this year.
Part of this decline is attributed to the rising influence of young talents like rookie Beckett Sennecke, who have limited Vatrano’s offensive chances. His average ice time has dropped significantly; he currently ranks 11th among Ducks forwards, logging just 12 minutes and 20 seconds per game. This is in stark contrast to the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons when he was the team’s second-most utilized forward, playing regularly on the top power play unit and contributing on the penalty kill during his All-Star season.
Coaching Perspective and Upcoming Role
Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville, who coached Vatrano during their time together with the Florida Panthers, acknowledged the forward’s struggles, telling The Hockey News’ Derek Lee,
whether it was his shot or his production, it’s been off a little bit, and I think that he needs to get himself feeling good and getting that some confidence in his game.
With Vatrano’s return, the team expects him to regain form and boost his confidence. For the upcoming game against the New York Islanders, he has been assigned to the third line, playing alongside Ryan Poehling and Ryan Strome.
Mikael Granlund Moves to Injured Reserve
Mikael Granlund’s placement on injured reserve follows a four-game absence due to an injury sustained during the Olympic tournament, where he helped Finland secure a bronze medal. The 34-year-old veteran was an important offseason acquisition for general manager Pat Verbeek, signing a three-year, $7 million average annual value contract after joining Anaheim.
Despite medical setbacks, Granlund has maintained consistent output this season, accumulating 27 points in 38 games, which projects to a 58-point pace over an 82-game schedule. He has taken over as the Ducks’ second-most utilized forward in terms of ice time, averaging nearly 19 minutes on ice per game, with significant roles on both the power play and penalty kill units.
Implications for the Ducks’ Season Moving Forward
Frank Vatrano’s reactivation offers Anaheim a chance to boost its offense as the season progresses. His success in regaining confidence and production could help the Ducks reverse their fortunes amid a challenging 2025-26 campaign. Meanwhile, managing Granlund’s recovery will be crucial to maintaining depth and experience on the roster. The team will look to balance these changes as they compete in upcoming games, with hopes of improving their standing in a competitive NHL landscape.
Frank is back! He and Stromer slot in on the third line. Mikael Granlund has been placed on IR. #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/kI4RANRbop
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 5, 2026
