It’s still pretty early into the 2025-26 NHL season, so drawing any concrete conclusions is a bit premature. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t take a moment to appreciate some standout players who have exceeded expectations in the early going. In the latest edition of the ESPN NHL Power Rankings, each team has a player who has shone brightly in the first few games of the season. Let’s take a closer look at these small-sample superstars who are making a big impact on their teams.
Colorado Avalanche: Scott Wedgewood has been a journeyman goalie for most of his career but has caught fire with a 5-0-2 record, a 1.84 goals-against average, and a .927 save percentage.
Vegas Golden Knights: Jack Eichel, who has yet to reach the 100-point mark in a single season, is currently leading the league in scoring with 16 points through seven games.
Carolina Hurricanes: Seth Jarvis, known for his goal-scoring prowess, has already notched nine points, including six goals, in just six games.
New Jersey Devils: Goaltender Jake Allen has been a standout performer with a perfect 3-0-0 record, a .931 save percentage, and a 1.91 goals-against average.
Winnipeg Jets: Mark Scheifele, a consistent goal scorer, is on pace for a 50-goal season with seven goals in six games.
Washington Capitals: Tom Wilson, typically known for his physical play, has surprised with 10 points and just two penalty minutes in seven games.
Detroit Red Wings: Rookie Emmitt Finnie has made a strong impression with six points playing alongside top players like Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.
Montreal Canadiens: Goalie Jakub Dobes has been stellar with a .950 save percentage and a 1.47 goals-against average in his first four starts.
Utah Mammoth: Nick Schmaltz is leading the team in scoring and is on pace for a career-best season with 10 points in seven games.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Justin Brazeau has already surpassed his previous career-high points total with eight points in seven games, helping the Penguins to a strong start.
Boston Bruins: Pavel Zacha has been a consistent performer, maintaining a point-per-game pace through the first eight contests.
Overall, these players have stepped up in a big way early in the season, and it will be interesting to see if they can sustain their success as the season progresses.
