ANAHEIM, Calif. — Ducks defenseman prospect Tristan Luneau signed his entry-level contract back in September 2023, signaling a promising jump from juniors to the professional game. But Luneau only ended up skating in 13 games in 2023-24—across both the AHL and NHL levels—making him eager for a bounce-back campaign in 2024-25.
As a three-year player in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, Luneau saw his scoring figures skyrocket in 2022-23 when he posted 83 points with 20 goals and 63 assists in 65 regular-season games with the Gatineau Olympiques, earning him QMJHL Defenseman of the Year. He also notched 17 points in 13 playoff games, bringing him exactly to the 100-point mark on the season.
Luneau’s electric 2022-23 QMJHL campaign followed his entry into the Ducks’ prospect pool, as he was selected No. 53 overall by Anaheim in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. After signing with the Orange County club, he set his sights on Honda Center, where he’d begin his professional career, making Anaheim’s 2023 opening-night roster as a 19-year-old.
Luneau would suit up for the Ducks twice in October, averaging over 15 minutes of ice time without any goal contributions to his name. But after a six-game conditioning stint with the San Diego Gulls, he was called back up to the first team, posting an efficient three points in three games—including his first NHL goal—to end November.
🚨 TRISTAN LUNEAU FIRST NHL GOAL 🚨
— NHL (@NHL) December 1, 2023
These young @AnaheimDucks continue to impress. pic.twitter.com/j9hGYNID5V
However, after playing in just two more games with the Ducks, the Victoriaville, Quebec, native’s season was abruptly cut short after he dealt with an illness followed by a knee infection diagnosis that unfortunately prevented him from representing Canada in the 2024 World Junior Championship.
From there, Luneau effectively had to shut down his season, capping off a year in which he flashed high potential before injury frustrations took hold.
Luneau’s size and toughness earned him a reputation as a potential first-round pick by some scouts. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Luneau moves the puck well and can navigate through traffic, using his frame to fight for the puck. His ability to lay down hits complements his offensive game, on top of solid skating mobility.
Luneau is also a player who can lead power play opportunities, with the ability to find his linemates in transition by using his strong hockey IQ. He possesses two-way skills that any NHL team would want, and he’s very well-rounded; the margin between his offensive and defensive game isn’t very large.
Dealing with a season-ending injury is frustrating for any player, but especially for young ones trying to make a name for themselves. In a crowded Anaheim blueliner prospect pool led by Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger and the newly drafted Stian Solberg, Luneau will need to stand out in Training Camp and preseason games, even though he’s already made NHL appearances.
But unlike the three aforementioned defensemen, Luneau is a righty and can provide depth on that side of the blue line, which isn’t as stacked. He might not be as tactically skilled as some of the Ducks’ top defenseman prospects, but his numbers have made up for it as his career has progressed.
Also, considering that Jamie Drysdale was supposed to be a top-four right-shot defenseman of the future before he was traded, Luneau could easily help fill the void.
If Luneau is healthy, he will likely spend his 2024-25 campaign with both the Ducks and Gulls in some capacity; as a 20-year-old, he’ll be eligible to suit up for San Diego full-time. Playing mostly in the AHL should be in Luneau’s best interest, as he hasn’t skated in a game since Dec. 7, 2023. But since 34-year-old Radko Gudas is the only righty blueliner listed on Anaheim’s 2024-25 roster, general manager Pat Verbeek might quickly look to Luneau for NHL depth purposes.
Critically, Luneau was not present on the Ducks’ 2024 Development Camp roster, which trained from July 1-5. This was likely due to his recovery process, but the reason is unclear. Nonetheless, when Rookie Camp and Training Camp commence in September, Luneau will hope to make an impact and re-earn attention after missing months of playing opportunities.