Almost a quarter into the 2025-2026 NHL Season, the Anaheim Ducks sit atop the Pacific Division, with a 12-6-1 record. Now the Ducks have had some hot starts in recent years, like in 2021-22 when they had a similar record through the first 19 games, 10-6-3, but this year feels different, this year feels sustainable. 

I highlighted in my season preview that the Ducks needed scoring, having finished last season 30th in the NHL with 2.65 goals per game. Through the early goings of this season, Anaheim has completely flipped the script and gone from third last in the league, to third in the league with 3.63 goals per game. Three players have already cracked double digit goals: Chris Kreider, acquired in the offseason, with 10; Leo Carlsson, the 2nd overall pick from 2023, with 11; and Cutter Gauthier, who scored 20 goals as a rookie last season, and is on pace to smash that number with 12 goals through the first 19 games.

Chris Kreider may not be as young and spry as he once was, but there is no denying his scoring ability, as the former Ranger has scored at over a 40 goal pace in his thirties. Although he is unlikely to keep up his current pace (54 goals) for the rest of the season, he should still continue to provide offense, leadership, and play in the top six for this squad. He has been an excellent fit thus far. The other veteran that came in the offseason is Mikael Granlund, who has been limited to 9 games this season due to injury, but was a point per game player, and the team will welcome him back when he is ready to return.

The biggest reason for the team’s success this season is the two aforementioned young studs, Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier.

I called Carlsson an X-factor for this team as he had shown flashes through his first two seasons, but I was looking for consistency, and a potential leap in production. Leo has exceeded all expectations, and is in the process of a true breakout campaign, he has the 9th most points across the league with 26 points in 19 games. In addition to his offensive success, he has earned full trust of Coach Q, being deployed on the first line, first powerplay unit, and matching up with the opposition’s best on the first penalty kill unit as well.

Cutter Gauthier was the 5th overall pick back in 2022, but was not a Ducks selection. He was in the Philadelphia Flyers organization for a year and a bit before requesting a trade without playing a game with the club. Certainly a polarizing way to begin a career, as you rarely see that type of move from a player in hockey. As a Duck, he has shown why he was a top five pick, displaying one of the nicest shots in the league at such a young age. Now a part of a thriving offense, getting tips from a vet like Kreider, and with a season of experience under his belt, it is all coming together for Gauthier. He sits 2 goals back from the league lead, and is tied for 6th with 9 even strength goals. In addition to his goal scoring he has 10 assists, and his 22 points are second on the team behind Carlsson.

What’s always nice about a rebuilding team breaking out, is when their long-time players finally get the recognition they deserve. Troy Terry has 21 points in 19 games, and is becoming a name to look out for. For those who follow the Ducks more closely, they know that this season is no different from the last four years for Terry. Not quite a point per game player, but the American winger has been a solid top six forward for nearly a half decade, scoring 20+ goals and 50+ points for four straight seasons, with a career high 37 goals and 67 points in 2021-2022. He currently plays alongside Kreider and Carlsson on the first line.

Beckett Sennecke, the 3rd overall pick in 2024 is enjoying a good start to his rookie season, from the team’s early success, to scoring in his first career game. Sennecke is currently third in both overall rookie scoring, with 13 points, and goals with 6. Another young piece for this Anaheim offense moving forward.

Even with the exciting start, there are players that are underwhelming, most notably Mason McTavish and Jackson LaCombe. 

McTavish was involved in contract negotiations throughout the entire offseason, and did not reach an agreement until late September. Perhaps the delayed start to the season, missing some of training camp and gelling with the team is the reason for his slow start with 11 points in 19 games. With a new coach and other young players breakout out around him, McTavish could lose minutes as other players continue to impress.

Jackson LaCombe came onto the scene last year and emerged as the team’s number one defenceman. He was entering the final year of his ELC, and rather than letting him increase his value, and also to avoid the RFA negotiations they experienced with McTavish, the team extended him before the season began. An 8 year contract with a $9M AAV had some hockey fans shocked, as he only had 14 goals and 43 points in 75 games last season. As the PP1 defenceman, you would think LaCombe has been a beneficiary of the team’s jump in offense, however his numbers have taken a step back, with only 1 goal and 8 points through 19 games. He does much more than just produce offense, as he leads the team in minutes by far, averaging 25:05 a night, but for that cap hit (that does not kick in until next season) you would hope for more points on the scoresheet.

The optimistic fans would look at McTavish and LaCombe with a ‘we are already this good and they have not been at their best’ lens, the pessimists would think ‘we are good without them playing at their best, maybe that money should have been used elsewhere’. There is still plenty of time for the two to turn things around, and add to an already lethal offensive attack.

Lukas Dostal is firmly the team’s number one goaltender, having 15 starts to Mrazek’s 4. He has a .903 SV% and a 2.80 GAA to back up his 9-5-1 record. Mrazek has been less than impressive with a .887 SV% and a 3.72 GAA. Expect the team to keep leaning on Dostal, and there is a good chance Ville Husso gets called up from the AHL, as he has been great for the San Diego Gulls with a .920 SV% and 2.21 GAA.

They have a 6-1-0 record at home, and have been less impressive on the road, with a 6-5-1 record. Things could fall off a bit for Anaheim if they do not keep their winning ways going at home, but if not, a .500 record on the road, and great home record is a recipe to a successful season, and it looks like the Ducks are well on their way to getting back to the playoffs. Quack Quack, the Ducks are back.