The first of ten reports this season on the the "Top 5" Anaheim Ducks players thus far in the NHL season...

#1 Marian Gaborik (RW)  9 GP - 6 G - 6 A - 12 PTS +7

NHL take - He is healthy and putting up great numbers.  Will the Rangers be rewarded for their risky signing? 

BRHL2 take - Likewise, will the BRHL2 Ducks be rewarded for their off-season signing of Gaborik?  If his production holds up, he will be one of the top ten players in the league.

#2 Erik Johnson (D)  7 GP - 0 G - 7 A - 7 PTS +4

NHL take - After missing a year to an off-season knee injury, Johnson is healthy and showing why he was the 2006 #1 draft choice. 

BRHL2 take - He could very well be Anaheim's #1 defenceman next year, jumping ahead of Bieksa and Campbell...  Scary.

#3 Matt Carle (D)  6 GP - 1 G - 7 A - 8 PTS +5

NHL take - He scored 42 points in his 2006-07 rookie year, but hasn't come close since.  He's on pace for 109 points this year. 

BRHL2 take - Look for him to jump up the depth chart.  Carle and Bieksa would be a formadable second pairing!

#4 Brad Richards (C)  7 GP - 3 G - 6 A - 9 PTS +4

NHL take - Showing some of the form from the Tampa Bay days, but could be slowed by injuries. 

BRHL2 take - The Ducks gave up three first round picks for Richards.  Thus far, it is looking good.

#5 Antti Niemi (G)  4 GP - 3 W - 2.07 GAA - 0.909 SV% - 1 SO

NHL take - Looks like we have a goalie controversy in Chicago.  Niemi is looking very strong.

BRHL2 take - Could he suplant Quick as the starter in Anaheim next year?  Not likely, but he will certainly take the backup job with Cory Schneider stuck in Manitoba.