When it comes to promising young goaltenders in the NHL, Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks is a name that’s gaining serious attention. With his calm presence in the net, quick reflexes, and impressive international resume, fans are now asking: What’s the full story behind the Lukas Dostal contract?
In this post, we’re diving deep into the Lukas Dostal contract — from the year-by-year breakdown to what it means for his future in Anaheim and how it compares to other young NHL goalies.
Lukas Dostal: Year-by-Year Contract Breakdown (2019–2025)
Let’s take a detailed look at Lukas Dostal contract structure, including his salary and the cap hit on the team for each season.
2019–20: Entry-Level Deal Signed, But NHL Clock Didn’t Start
In May 2019, Lukas Dostal signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks worth approximately $2.825 million. However, because he stayed in Europe playing for Ilves in Finland’s Liiga, the NHL slide rule delayed the official start of his contract. As he didn’t play enough NHL games, the contract “slid” forward. So, while his cap hit was estimated at $822,500, he didn’t receive NHL pay this season.
2020–21: North American Debut in the AHL
This was Dostal’s first season playing in North America. He joined the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s AHL affiliate, and his entry-level deal officially kicked in. While his NHL base salary was $700,000, he earned the AHL rate — around $70,000 — due to the two-way structure of his deal. His cap hit remained approximately $822,500, as set by the entry-level contract.
2021–22: Some NHL Action, Mostly Development in AHL
Dostal spent most of this season with the Gulls but also received a few NHL call-ups. His base NHL salary increased to $750,000, with the same minor league salary. Anaheim remained patient, viewing him as a long-term project. The cap hit stayed at $822,500, unchanged from the previous year.
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2022–23: Final Year of Entry-Level, Bigger NHL Role
In the last year of his ELC, Dostal got a more meaningful NHL opportunity — playing in 19 games and showing real progress. His NHL salary hit $832,500, and for the first time, a larger portion of his earnings came from time spent at the NHL level. After this season, he became a Restricted Free Agent (RFA).
2023–24: Two-Year Bridge Deal Begins
In July 2023, the Ducks signed Dostal to a two-year deal worth $1.625 million, carrying a $812,500 cap hit each season. In Year 1 of this deal, he split duties with veterans and continued to grow into a full-time role. His base salary was $775,000, with a minor-league salary of $325,000 (though he stayed mostly in the NHL).
2024–25: Breakout Season as Anaheim’s No. 1 Goalie
This is the final year of Dostal bridge deal, and it’s turned out to be his breakout season. Now the clear-cut starter for the Ducks, he’s playing with confidence and consistency. His base salary is $850,000, while the cap hit remains $812,500. With strong performances and improved stats, he’s earned recognition as one of the league’s rising goaltenders.
2025–29: Massive Five-Year Contract Extension
On July 1, 2025, Dostal signed a massive 5-year, $32.5 million contract extension with Anaheim. The contract has a $6.5 million cap hit per season and runs through the 2029–29 season. It includes a modified no-trade clause. starting in the third year — giving him more security and showing Anaheim’s full commitment to him as their long-term No. 1 goalie. Friends, you can also check this information on the official NHL website, as it is an authentic source.
Is Lukas Dostal Underpaid or a Future Bargain?
With rising goaltender salaries across the league, Lukas Dostal contract is considered a bargain — especially if he continues to improve.
Why It’s a Smart Deal:
- Dostal is only 25 years old with significant development potential.
He has already shown flashes of brilliance in both the AHL and NHL.
Anaheim is still in a rebuilding phase, so locking him in at a low cap hit gives the team financial flexibility.
Many NHL analysts believe that if Dostal secures the starting job full-time by 2025, he could be among the best value contracts for goalies in the league.
Contract Comparison: Dostal vs. Other Young NHL Goalies
Let’s see how the Lukas Dostal contract stacks up against other young NHL goaltenders:
| Player | Team | Contract (AAV) | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer Knight | Florida Panthers | $4.5 million | 3 years |
| Pyotr Kochetkov | Carolina Hurricanes | $2 million | 4 years |
| Lukas Dostal | Anaheim Ducks | $775,000 | 3 years |
| Devon Levi | Buffalo Sabres | Entry-Level Deal | Expiring 2025 |
Clearly, Dostal contract is among the most team-friendly deals — giving Anaheim a cost-controlled option while they rebuild their roster.
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Lukas Dostal Performance So Far
While his NHL sample size is still small, Dostal has been consistently impressive across multiple levels.
NHL Stats (As of 2024–25 season):
Games Played: 32
Save Percentage (SV%): .905
Goals Against Average (GAA): 2.92
Shutouts: 1
AHL Stats (San Diego Gulls):
Games: 90+
SV%: .915+
Shutouts: Multiple
Awards: AHL All-Star 2022, Top Goalie Recognition (Czech leagues)
He has often carried a weak Ducks defense and still posted solid numbers — a sign of long-term potential.
International Career and Market Value
Dostal also shines on the international stage:
- Represented Czech Republic at the World Juniors and World Championships.
Known for calmness under pressure in high-stakes games
- Increases his brand value and recognition internationally
This gives him added leverage when negotiating future deals or seeking endorsements.
Final Thoughts: Is Lukas Dostal the Ducks’ Long-Term Goalie?
While it’s too early to crown him the franchise goalie, Lukas Dostal has shown the skills, poise, and attitude needed to succeed at the NHL level.
If his development continues on this path, the Lukas Dostal contract may go down as one of the most efficient goalie deals in recent Ducks history.
Fan Take: This is one of the smartest contracts by Anaheim in recent years. If Dostal becomes a full-time starter, we basically got a No.1 goalie for backup money!
