When the puck dropped on the 2025-2026 NHL season, the consensus surrounding the Anaheim Ducks was cautious optimism at best. By most projections, they were pushing for a wild-card spot, a respectable step forward in a long rebuild. But as we reach the quarter milestone, the reality on the ice has shattered these modest predictions.
The Ducks are 14-7-1 with 29 points in 22 games and aren’t just competing; they sit atop the Pacific Division.
According to Money puckthe Ducks now have an 82.9% chance of making the postseason. If they stay anywhere near this point pace, playoff hockey returns to Orange County. But to understand How When this happened, we have to look at the bench, the blue paint, and a front office that might finally be justified.
The Quenneville Paradigm Shift
The most important variable in this equation is the arrival of head coach Joel Quenneville. The transition from the Greg Cronin era to Quenneville has been nothing short of transformative.
Gone are the rigid, low-event ‘dump and chase’ days that frustrated the fanbase and stifled creativity. Quenneville and his staff have implemented a system that emphasizes fluidity and possession. It’s a modern style that plays directly to the strengths of a squad brimming with high-quality skills.
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Crucially, the coaching staff have adopted a ‘controlled freedom’ philosophy. Young skaters are allowed to pass on mistakes instead of fearing an immediate benching. This psychological shift has given the young core a chance to breathe, resulting in a product that is not only winning, but may be the most exciting hockey played in Anaheim in a decade.
The gist comes: Carlsson, Gauthier and the ‘Calder’ surprise
The gamble on youth is paying off. Leo Carlsson has officially arrived as the legitimate number one center the franchise envisioned on draft day. With 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points, he drives the bus offensively.
On his wing, Cutter Gauthier proves that the high-profile trade involving Ivan Provorov was a win for Anaheim. In his second full season, Gauthier scored thirteen goals and thirteen assists. He shoots with confidence and regularly finds soft ice.
The biggest storyline in the front group, however, is Beckett Sennecke. Many expect him to start the year in the American Hockey League (AHL) or play sheltered minutes, but Sennecke has worked his way into the top six. Along with Mason McTavish and Gauthier, he thrived, scoring 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) while averaging more than 16 minutes per night. He has consolidated his selection position and currently has the third best chances for the Calder Trophy.
At the back, Olen Zellweger is evolving into a real top-four defender. With an average ice time of 18:58, he moves the puck efficiently and contributes to the transition game that Quenneville praises.
Justification for Verbeek: the ‘Rangers West’ experiment
General Manager Pat Verbeek has faced significant challenges this offseason acquiring aging veterans, particularly from the New York Rangers. Critics argued that these moves would block youth. Verbeek argued that they would isolate them. Verbeek seems correct at the quarter point.
Chris Kreider has found the Fountain of Youth. With 15 points, including 10 goals, he was a force at the net front on the power play and a stabilizing presence on the top line. In the same way, Jacob Trouba has silenced many doubters. While his contract remains onerous, his on-ice performances have been solid. Averaging 13 points and 22:43 of ice time, Trouba is eating up the tough defensive minutes that would otherwise crush a rookie like Zellweger.
These veterans stood at a crossroads in New York; in Anaheim they have been revived and provide the necessary ballast for a young line-up to operate.
The Clouds on the Horizon: Mintyukov and the Trade Request
Despite the rosy record, it’s not all sunshine in Southern California. There are internal fractures that management needs to address.
The most glaring problem is the situation surrounding defender Pavel Mintyukov. In what ranks as the biggest negative surprise of the season, Mintyukov has regressed significantly. Following the return of Radko Gudas, Mintyukov found himself a healthy scratch, surpassed on the depth chart by Ian Moore.
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With just three points in 19 games and his ice time decreasing, the relationship has reportedly soured. Elliotte Friedman has reported that Mintyukov has requested a trade. Moving a young, cost-controlled defender is rarely a winning proposition, but if the bridge burns, Verbeek faces a tough decision.
Moreover, Frank Vatrano did that becoming the team’s scapegoat. With just two goals and one assist, his offensive production has fallen off a cliff. His contract is starting to look like an anchor, and there are genuine concerns that his scoring touch has evaporated.
There is also the ‘Zegras factor’. Watching Trevor Zegras flourish with the Philadelphia Flyers is a stain on the current front office. It suggests that the problem may not have been with the player, but with the previous environment. You have to wonder what Zegras could have done under a coach like Quenneville.
Sustainability and the Pacific Grind
The Pacific Division is tight. While the Ducks lead the way, the Vegas Golden Knights remain the favoritesand the Los Angeles Kings are projected to finish in the top three. The Edmonton Oilers, despite a slow start, are inevitable; they will be knocking on the door soon.
Former goaltender and analyst Carter Hutton recently noted that the Ducks fear “burnout.” The concern is justified. Anaheim sprints while the experienced teams behind them prepare for a marathon. The Ducks’ penalty kill also remains a weakness, often favoring short attacks over structural defense – a habit that smart veteran teams will exploit as the season progresses.
The verdict
The Ducks are in a position that is much better than anyone expected. This is a ‘changing of the guard’ moment, when reconstruction officially bears fruit.
However, they are like a marathon runner who has gotten an early lead. They have surprised the field with their pace and internal strength, but the experienced runners – Vegas, Edmonton, LA – are nipping at their heels.
As the trade deadline approaches, Verbeek faces a fascinating strategic choice. Does he push his chips in and add reinforcements to solidify this playoff spot? Or does he sit back, trust the process and prioritize core development, knowing that even a competitive miss is a step forward?
For the first time in years, the Ducks will play meaningful hockey again in November. The question now is whether they will still play meaningful hockey in April.
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