Generally, when an NHL-contracted prospect is loaned overseas, that loan is for the duration of the season. However, in rare occasions, the NHL club can try to end it prematurely. That appears to be the case for Ducks prospect Damian Clara. Originally on loan to SHL Farjestad, the team announced that at Anaheim’s request, Clara has been released to play elsewhere.
The Ducks drafted the 20-year-old 60th overall in the 2023 draft, making him the fifth goalie off the board. He spent that season with Farjestad’s junior team and while his numbers weren’t particularly strong (a 2.79 GAA with a .903 SV% in 35 games), the fact he stands six-foot-six and some of his raw tools made him a popular speculative sleeper pick heading into the draft. Clearly, Anaheim felt he had enough upside to be one of the first goalies taken.
Clara had a strong showing in 2023-24, putting up a 2.23 GAA with a .913 SV% in 34 games with Brynas of the second-tier Allsvenskan and was even better in the playoffs as they were able to gain promotion to the SHL this season. He did well enough to sign his entry-level deal back in June but was loaned out again for this season.
However, Clara returned to Farjestad instead of remaining with Brynas. This season, he had a 3.19 GAA with a .879 SV% in 21 outings, splitting time with former NHL goalie Maxime Lagace. However, Farjestad recently signed another former NHL netminder, Anders Lindback, making Clara the third-string option.
To that end, Farjestad’s release announced that the Ducks were terminating the loan agreement due to a lack of playing time. Where he plays next remains to be seen but they will need to decide quickly as the international transfer window closes at 4:59 PM CT on Saturday. If an international opportunity doesn’t present itself in the coming hours, it stands to reason that Clara would come to North America and report either to AHL San Diego or ECHL Tulsa.