The Anaheim Ducks are turning heads early in the 2025-2026 NHL season, showcasing a promising blend of youthful talent and strategic roster moves. As of Monday morning, the team holds second place in the league standings, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche, after sweeping the Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets over the weekend. After several seasons of rebuilding, the Ducks appear poised to contend, a transformation largely attributed to astute roster construction.
The key question for any team, especially one on the rise like the Ducks, is how to construct a roster capable of surpassing established contenders. Anaheim's approach has centered on building through the draft while supplementing the roster with shrewd acquisitions to achieve a balanced team.
Leading the charge of young stars is Leo Carlsson. After a successful 2024-25 season where he scored 20 goals, Carlsson has already tallied half that amount in the first 15 games of the current season. His impact spans all facets of the game, with goals scored on the power play, shorthanded, and at even strength, including three game-winning goals. Selected second overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Carlsson is proving his worth. Cutter Gauthier has also contributed with 11 goals.
The Ducks' commitment to their young core is further exemplified by the six-year contract extension secured with Mason McTavish, a deal valued at $7 million annually. At just 22 years old, McTavish has quickly become a leader, demonstrating a combination of physicality, scoring ability, and defensive responsibility. Drafted third overall in 2021, McTavish's development into a cornerstone player underscores the Ducks' focus on long-term stability.
Beyond the performance of their young stars, the Ducks have made calculated moves to bolster the overall roster. While specific details of these moves aren't highlighted, they are alluded to as "shrewd moves" that have provided a "much-needed balance". This suggests a strategy of acquiring players who complement the skill sets of the younger players and address specific needs within the lineup.
These moves reflect a clear strategy: cultivate young talent through the draft, identify and develop leadership qualities within that core, and supplement the roster with players who provide balance and experience. The Ducks' early-season success suggests that this approach is paying dividends, positioning them as a team to watch in the Western Conference.
