Newly acquired defenseman Brian Dumoulin prides himself on communication consistency and details.
Newly acquired defenseman Brian Dumoulin prides himself on communication consistency and details.
The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Brian Dumoulin on July 2 from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Dumoulin (32) has all the tangible and intangible qualities the Ducks seemingly desired in their search for a top-four defenseman intended to elevate the slew of talented, young blueliners on the Ducks roster in 2024-25. The only perceived misfit is he's a left-shot, but the stylistic fit seemingly outweighs the handedness fit.
Dumoulin joined Ducks Stream host Alexis Downie on the "Light the Lamp!" podcast to discuss how he envisions himself fitting within the room and on the ice in Anaheim.
"One of the things I pride myself on is consistency," Dumoulin said. "My teammates know what they’re getting from me. My coaches know what they’re getting from me. Just bringing that every game and not veering from that."
The Ducks battled a never-ending barrage of injury trouble in 2023-24 while attempting to transition several rookies and young players into everyday roles as NHL players. Consistency was, by far, the most difficult commodity to come by in Anaheim.
Rookie defensemen Pavel Mintyukov, Jackson LaCombe, and Olen Zellweger were tasked with playing up and down the lineup last season, and while it was a challenge they accepted and embraced, stability is undoubtedly more desirable for their long-term development. Pairing one of those gifted budding defensemen with Dumoulin would limit volatility and create a nurturing environment for them to thrive.
"Let them be the player they are. Let them feel their game and let them know that if you’re going to do something, do it with confidence," Dumoulin said about the approach to playing alongside younger defensemen. "Their instincts got them here. Have an open conversation with them and create a bond."
On the ice, Dumoulin plays a steady, predictable brand of hockey which will allow whoever his partner is to explore the depths of their potential on both sides of the puck. They'll rarely need to worry about Dumoulin mistiming a pinch, failing to pick up an assignment, or causing a dangerous turnover in a precarious situation.
"Some people call me a shutdown D, but you can do that many ways," Dumoulin said when asked about his on-ice impact. "You can do that through physicality. You can do that by having a good stick. For me, it’s getting out of our zone as quickly as possible. For me, it’s breakouts."
Ducks head coach Greg Cronin, who once attempted to recruit Dumoulin to Northeastern University before he settled on Boston College, preaches puck possession and prioritizes quick exits from the defensive zone. Dumoulin retrieves pucks efficiently in his zone and can expertly fend off forechecks before moving pucks to his outlets for simple, effective breakouts.
Dumoulin brings a pedigree of leadership and playoff success to the Anaheim locker room, having won two Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 with the Pittsburgh Penguins where he also wore an "A" on his sweater from 2019 to 2023.
"I look back at those teams and why we were so successful. We were a close team. Everyone respected each other," Dumoulin said of the success he experienced in Pittsburgh. "Everyone had a role and embraced it. We all really cared and loved each other. I think it starts off the ice."
The value Dumoulin places on work ethic and commitment to his teammates align wholly with the culture Pat Verbeek and Ducks management along with Cronin and the coaching staff are intent on building in Anaheim.
Can Brian Dumoulin break the Ducks' No. 6 curse?
"I like to develop a relationship with guys and get to know them personally," Dumoulin said of his leadership style. "Whether that be dinners or just hanging with them getting to know them and what gets them going, what gets the best out of them, and how they respond to things. That’s something that takes time, but that’s something that I look forward to the most."
Cronin preaches a similar concept with his coaching style and how to best communicate his message to players. He claims the best way to get through to players is through their hearts and learning what drives them.
Verbeek and the Ducks are committed to building a sustainable contender by placing their bright, young stars in positions to grow and succeed. With Mintyukov, Zellweger, and LaCombe having all gained precious experience in 2023-24, adding a defenseman with Dumoulin's profile to that group should only elevate their potential further. He will look to relay the coaching staff's message and is ever-committed to getting the most out of teammates and himself alike.