Ducks have been NHL's most exciting team so far this season

Thanks to a seven-year playoff drought entering this season the Anaheim Ducks have not really been on the NHL's league-wide radar lately. They should be now. Not only because they are off to one of their best starts in years (9-3-1 after Thursday's 7-5 win over the Dallas Stars), but also because they are one of the most exciting teams in the league from a playing style standpoint. 

The Ducks' young talent is emerging 

The biggest factor in the Ducks' fast start is the fact their best young players are starting to emerge as stars. Or at least playing like it.

Their most important young talent, Leo Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is having a true breakout season. He took a big step forward in year two of his career during the 2024-25 season, and has been even better so far this season. Thanks to his goal and assist on Thursday he is now up to 20 points in his first 13 games, putting him on a whopping 126-point pace over 82 games. He is not likely to maintain that sort of scoring pace all season, but the fact he has been such a game-changer is a huge development for the Ducks.

Teams that go through extensive rebuilds like the Ducks did and land picks at the top of the draft need to hit home runs with those selections. Carlsson looks like one.

The other young standout for the Ducks has been Cutter Gauthier. He moved into a tie for the league-lead in goals (with Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby) on Thursday night with his 11th goal of the season. 

It is not just the young guys, either. Veteran addition Chris Kreider has found the fountain of youth after a down year with the New York Rangers and already has nine goals this season.

When you put it all together the Ducks are the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 4.15 goals per game after Thursday's win. Their win against the Stars was already their fourth game this season with at least seven goals, and their sixth with at least five goals. They have been an offensive juggernaut.

But what makes their games truly exciting and must-see events right now is that for as great as they have been offensively, they have been just as bad at times defensively. They will score a lot. They will give up a lot. 

If you want to see high-paced, high-scoring, unpredictable hockey, the Ducks might be the team to start paying attention to. It has been a while since you have had a reason to pay attention, but this team might be worth it.