The Anaheim Ducks have another prospect under contract after 2023 second-round pick Carey Terrance (drafted 59th overall) signed his entry-level contract (ELC) on Wednesday afternoon.
A speedy forward capable of playing both down the middle and on the wing, Terrance is currently captain of the OHL’s Erie Otters, who advanced to the second round of the OHL Playoffs on Sunday. Terrance has not played since Feb. 14, when he crashed into the endboards and had to be stretchered off the ice. He has been practicing in a non-contact jersey alongside fellow injured teammate and potential 2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer recently, but neither has been deemed ready to return yet.
“Just being more consistent game-to-game,” Terrance said in September regarding what he wanted to focus on. “Game-to-game, just preparing myself the same way every game, getting my sleep. It’s a long junior season and with the travel, it’s pretty hard sometimes. There’s no excuse to get your mind and body right and be more consistent.”
Terrance was named to Team USA for the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and helped them win their second consecutive gold medal. Playing in a bottom-6 role, Terrance utilized his speed and tenacity to be an effective checking forward while also contributing as a penalty killer. It was Terrance’s second time being named to the World Juniors roster, though he didn’t appear in a game in 2024.
“It was awesome,” Terrance said. “To come back home with a gold medal is amazing. I had a different role on the team (in 2024), but I took advantage of it. I learned a lot from the older guys like Cutter (Gauthier) and (Rutger) McGroarty, guys like that who are really good players. It was a really good time.”
“Carey’s a very reliable player,” Gauthier said. “I played with him at World Juniors and the (World Junior) Summer Showcase the summer before. Just a great person as well. He’s fun to have in the locker room, great guy off the ice. He works really hard and he’s super reliable.”
“I love to play in all situations. Playing the PK, playing power play, last-minute face-offs. (I) have that kind of versatility in my game and I can bring that to any team.
– Carey Terrance on taking pride in being able to fill any role for the team
Terrance was also named to Team USA’s World Junior Summer Showcase roster, where he faced off against fellow Ducks prospects Lucas Pettersson (Sweden) and Beckett Sennecke (Canada). 2024 Ducks draft pick Austin Burnevik was also on the U.S. roster.
“Summer showcase was great,” Terrance said in September. “You had some returners that were coming in, so some guys that you’re familiar with. I was used all over (in different roles) and I think come Christmas time (for 2025 World Juniors), I’m gonna have a big role with the team. I’m excited for it.”
An emphasis for Terrance during his offseason training was getting bigger. Adding more weight to his frame in combination with his speed will allow him to be an even bigger force on the forecheck than he already is.
Terrance’s ELC begins with the 2025-26 NHL season, meaning he’ll finish out the 2024-25 season with Erie before transitioning to the AHL next season as a 20-year-old. There’s always a chance that he could break camp with the Ducks with a good showing during training camp, but the adjustment from junior hockey to the pro level can be difficult for some. There is no need for the Ducks to rush Terrance, especially as he currently recovers from a long-term injury.