More than two weeks into the 2025-26 NHL season, things are looking interesting. The Dallas Stars — our preseason Stanley Cup favorites — look a little … off, Dawson Mercer and the New Jersey Devils are off to a hot start and Connor McDavid — our preseason Hart Trophy pick — is struggling to score goals.

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Even our boldest predictions are being surpassed by the surprises of a season in action.

What has been each team’s biggest surprise so far, good, bad or ugly? The Athletic posed that question this week to its NHL staff. Here’s what they said.

Anaheim Ducks

Staying out of the penalty box

No team since the 2004-05 lockout has been called for more minor penalties or totaled more penalty minutes than Anaheim. The net difference of 723 more penalties taken than drawn over 20 seasons is more than twice the next greatest disparity. Things have changed for now, as Joel Quenneville has them playing far more disciplined hockey. The Ducks have taken a league-low 18 minor penalties through seven games. Just 16 times short-handed, another NHL-low. — Eric Stephens

Boston Bruins

Mark Kastelic is one of the best players

Kastelic is making an impact as the No. 4 right wing. He has two goals and one assist through nine games. He fought Liam O’Brien. He is averaging 2:31 of short-handed ice time per game after averaging just 0:15 last year. — Fluto Shinzawa

Buffalo Sabres

Alex Lyon

When Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen went down with an injury before training camp, goaltending became the biggest question on the roster. But Lyon, the 32-year-old who signed a two-year contract with Buffalo this summer and has looked like the Sabres’ best player. He’s seventh in the NHL in goals saved above expected, has a 2.55 goals against average and a .924 save percentage entering Friday’s game. Luukkonen’s starting job may not be waiting for him when he’s healthy. — Matthew Fairburn

Calgary Flames

Connor Zary has struggled out of the gate

The Flames didn’t do much to adjust their offense this past offseason, so it’s not a complete surprise to see it lag among the league’s worst. But seeing Zary struggle as much as he has, with one point in nine games, has been a surprise. The Flames’ rebuild is contingent on their young players progressing and taking a step forward. But it’s been a very slow start for one of their more promising players. — Julian McKenzie

Hurricanes’ Andrei Svechnikov is still looking for his first point this season. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)

Carolina Hurricanes

Andrei Svechnikov is still looking for his first point

The Hurricanes became the last NHL team to lose a game this season after dropping a 4-1 decision Monday in Vegas, and they’ve done it without Svechnikov getting on the score sheet.