The Anaheim Ducks and Vegas Golden Knights kick off their preseason schedules on October 3, with both teams showcasing newly extended stars and fresh storylines.
The Anaheim Ducks and Vegas Golden Knights open their 2026-27 preseason schedules on Saturday, October 3, at 2:00 AM UTC (7:00 PM PT Friday) at T-Mobile Arena. Both teams have made headlines this offseason: the Ducks matched a record offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson, while the Golden Knights secured defenseman Rasmus Andersson with a seven-year extension. With both squads looking to build on their young cores, this exhibition matchup offers an early glimpse of their trajectories.
Anaheim Ducks: Carlsson’s Record Deal and Mintyukov’s Extension
The Ducks enter the preseason with high expectations after committing $126 million to their core. Leo Carlsson’s five-year, $90 million offer sheet match — an NHL-record $18 million per season — cements him as the franchise cornerstone. The 21-year-old center will be under immense pressure to justify that investment, and this game against a top Pacific Division rival is his first chance to show his value. Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, who signed a five-year, $36 million extension, brings a solid offensive resume with 17 goals and 52 assists in 204 games. The Ducks finished third in the Pacific Division last season, and they’ll rely on these young stars to push them further. Rookie Gavin McKenna, featured in an NHL roundtable, adds another layer of intrigue as he fights for a roster spot.
Vegas Golden Knights: Andersson Locks In, Coaching Question Looms
The Golden Knights topped the Pacific Division last season and made a surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final, but they enter this preseason with a coaching vacancy after John Tortorella’s departure. Tortorella expressed disappointment at not being retained, leaving the team’s leadership situation unresolved. On the ice, the Knights solidified their blue line by signing Rasmus Andersson to a seven-year, $8.5 million AAV deal, ensuring the Hanifin-Andersson pairing stays intact. This continuity on defense could be crucial as Vegas looks to replace some offensive production. The Knights’ free agency moves have been graded favorably by pundits, and they’ll aim to build on their unexpected playoff success. Their preseason opener against Chicago on September 30 will provide a tune-up before facing the Ducks.
Head-to-Head: Youth vs. Experience, But Both Teams in Flux
This matchup pits two Pacific Division rivals with contrasting offseason narratives. Anaheim is betting on its young, expensive core, while Vegas is mixing veteran stability with a coaching void. The Ducks’ offense will revolve around Carlsson’s playmaking, while the Golden Knights will lean on their defensive structure and goaltending. Key factors to watch include how quickly Carlsson acclimates to his new role and whether Vegas’s defensive pairing can neutralize Anaheim’s speed. Special teams could be a deciding factor, as both teams have solid power-play units on paper. With neither team having played a game yet, this is a pure evaluation of systems and chemistry.
Key Storylines
- Leo Carlsson’s first game action after his record-setting contract
- Rasmus Andersson’s debut in his new extension
- Coaching uncertainty for Vegas and its impact on team performance
- Rookie Gavin McKenna’s bid for an NHL roster spot
- Early season form from both Pacific Division contenders
Prediction
Expect a competitive but fast-paced preseason contest. The Ducks have more offensive firepower with Carlsson, but the Golden Knights’ defensive stability and home-ice advantage give them the edge. Look for a close game decided by special teams, with Vegas eking out a 3-2 win in a shootout.
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