Even though it’s early in the 2025-26 NHL season, there have already been some surprising developments.
Let’s take a look at what has — or hasn’t — been happening in the early going.
Toronto’s Auston Matthews Isn’t Producing
Many wondered how the Leafs’ captain and premier sniper would fare after the departure of his long-time linemate and playmaker, Mitch Marner, to the Vegas Golden Knights.
So far? Not so well.
Through 11 games, Matthews has posted 8 points on 5 goals and 3 assists — decent numbers, but not up to his usual lofty standards. Just a couple of years ago, he lit the lamp 69 times.
Meanwhile, two of his teammates are thriving. William Nylander leads the team in scoring with 15 points, while power forward Matthew Knies has 14.
Apparently healthy for the first time in years, Matthews has no excuses for his sluggish start.
Utah Mammoth on the Rise
It seems the young Mammoth squad is finally starting to live up to its potential after struggling inexplicably over the past couple of seasons.
Simply put, the Mammoth are loaded with good, young talent.
Leading the way is veteran Nick Schmaltz, who’s finally showing the promise the Chicago Blackhawks saw when they drafted him 20th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He sits third in NHL scoring with 17 points.
Four other forwards — Clayton Keller (12), Logan Cooley (12), Dylan Guenther (12) and J.J. Peterka (10) — are all in double digits. Poolies looking for depth scoring should take note.
On defense, Mikhail Sergachev has chipped in 9 points, adding even more punch to Utah’s potent attack. With explosive offense and solid goaltending, the Mammoth are riding high with an 8-3 record.
Penguins Surprising
After missing the playoffs last year, expectations were low for the aging Penguins.
Still, with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang in the fold, you can never completely count them out.
Both Malkin and Crosby have come out hot with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Forward Anthony Mantha — a reclamation project — has contributed 10 points. Karlsson has 9, while wingers Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell have each chipped in 8.
All that fine play has led to a 7-2 record, putting the Penguins surprisingly in the top third of the league standings in the early going.
Young Teams Developing
Two young teams are standing out so far: the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks.
The reason? Their young players are producing.
In Anaheim, Leo Carlsson leads the team in scoring with 11 points, followed closely by Troy Terry (10) and Cutter Gauthier (8). Mason MacTavish has also been solid. While the Ducks still have a way to go, their improving young core is an encouraging sign.
The same applies in San Jose, where rookie Macklin Celebrini has impressed with 16 points, followed by William Eklund with 10. With Yaroslav Askarov steady in the net, the Sharks’ future looks bright — even if they’re still a couple of years away from being truly competitive.
