The Anaheim Ducks have made a strategic move by reassigning defenseman Ian Moore to their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. This decision is part of a broader effort to develop talent and ensure players are getting the right opportunities to grow. Additionally, the Gulls have sent forward Coulson Pitre and defenseman Konnor Smith to Tulsa, further shuffling their roster to optimize team dynamics.
Ian Moore, a 24-year-old defenseman, has been a steady presence for the Ducks this season, contributing 9 points and 18 penalty minutes over 41 games. Notably, he scored his first NHL goal against Dallas on November 6.
Moore’s journey with Anaheim began at the tail end of the 2024-25 season, where he notched his first NHL point with an assist in Winnipeg. His entry-level contract, signed in April 2025, marked the start of his professional career after a successful collegiate stint at Harvard, where he tallied 56 points over four years.
Originally from Salt Lake City, Moore was a third-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. His resume includes representing Team USA at the 2022 World Junior Championship and helping the Chicago Steel clinch the Clark Cup in 2020-21.
Konnor Smith, standing tall at 6-6, has been a promising player for San Diego, appearing in eight games this season. The 21-year-old defenseman has shown grit and potential, evidenced by his professional debut goal in 2024. Drafted by Anaheim in 2023, Smith’s OHL career was marked by an impressive 70 points and a pivotal role in Peterborough’s OHL Championship run in 2022-23.
Coulson Pitre, also 21, has been a dynamic forward for San Diego and Tulsa. With a knack for playmaking, Pitre has amassed 21 points in Tulsa this season, including a standout four-game point streak. His OHL career with Flint showcased his offensive prowess, earning him a spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2021-22.
These roster moves reflect the Ducks’ commitment to nurturing young talent and strategically positioning their players for future success. As these athletes continue to develop, both Anaheim and their affiliates will be keenly observing their progress, hopeful for what lies ahead.