NHL Surprises: Shining Figures and Disappointing Stars
The first month of the 2025-26 NHL season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. From unexpected contenders in the fight for the playoffs to teams that have not met the high pre-season expectations, the league has once again demonstrated its unpredictability.
This dynamic is also reflected in the players’ performance. Some have started the season at a dizzying pace, while others have experienced a statistically disappointing start. Below, we analyze ten surprisingly good performances and five performances that, hopefully, will not last long.
Surprisingly Good Performances
Leo Carlsson
C, Anaheim Ducks
Statistics 2025-26: 16 GP | 11 G | 15 A
Carlsson is proving his worth after being selected second overall in the 2023 draft. With 26 points in 16 games, he is propelling the Ducks to the top of the Pacific Division.
The coaching change, with the arrival of Joel Quenneville, has transformed the Ducks into a dominant team in puck possession. Carlsson has been key in this transformation, with the team generating a high percentage of shot attempts and scoring chances when he is on the ice. In addition, he has contributed nine points on the power play, which has resurfaced after being the worst in the league last season.
“Leo has really taken off,” commented Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek. “I think with the young guys, Joel preaches it every day: puck possession, holding onto it, and if we lose it, we have to get it back quickly. I think that has resonated well and the guys have bought into it. They’ve been executing and are being rewarded for it.”
Pat Verbeek
Josh Doan
RW, Buffalo Sabres
2025-26 Stats: 16 GP | 4 G | 5 A
Despite the lack of positive results for the Sabres, Josh Doan stands out with four goals and five assists in 16 games. The son of former NHL player Shane Doan has taken advantage of his increased playing time and is proving to be a solid player on both sides of the ice.
Spencer Knight
G, Chicago Blackhawks
2025-26 Stats: 12 GP | 2.46 GAA | .923 SV%
Knight has been a revelation for the Blackhawks, with a save percentage of .923 and a goals-against average of 2.46 in 12 games. He currently leads the NHL in goals saved above expected, proving to be a key piece for the team.
Brad Marchand
LW, Florida Panthers
2025-26 Stats: 15 GP | 11 G | 7 A
Marchand has been the leader of the Panthers, with 11 goals in 15 games. His performance has been crucial in keeping the team afloat, especially due to the injuries of Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. His impact has been so significant that general manager Bill Zito extended his contract until the 2030-31 season.
Dawson Mercer
LW, New Jersey Devils
Statistics 2025-26: 17 GP | 9 G | 7 A
Mercer has had an excellent start to the season, with nine goals and seven assists in his first 17 games. His performance has secured him a place in the team’s top-six.
Matthew Schaefer
D, New York Islanders
2025-26 Stats: 16 GP | 5 G | 7 A
Schaefer, drafted, has had an immediate impact on the Islanders, with 12 points in 16 games and a playing time of more than 22 minutes per game. His contribution in the power play has been notable.
Kiefer Sherwood
RW, Vancouver Canucks
Statistics 2025-26: 18 GP | 11 G | 1 A
Sherwood has had a surprising start to the season, with 11 goals in 18 games. His performance has generated great enthusiasm among Vancouver fans.
Shea Theodore
D, Vegas Golden Knights
2025-26 Stats: 15 GP | 0 G | 6 A
Theodore has taken on a more important role after Alex Pietrangelo’s injury. With an increase in his playing time, his defensive numbers are impressive, proving to be a key defenseman for the Golden Knights.
Scott Wedgewood
G, Colorado Avalanche
2025-26 Stats: 14 GP | 2.26 GAA | .913 SV%
Wedgewood has been fundamental to the Avalanche’s success at the start of the season. With a record of 10-1-2 and a save percentage of .913, he has proven to be a reliable backup.
Dan Vladar
G, Philadelphia Flyers
2025-26 Stats: 10 GP | 2.15 GAA | .919 SV%
Vladar has been a key player for the Flyers, with a save percentage of .919. His performance has been crucial for the team.
Surprisingly Bad Performances
Marco Kasper
F, Detroit Red Wings
2025-26 Stats: 16 GP | 3 G | 0 A
Kasper, after a promising rookie season, has not managed to maintain the expected level. His lack of offensive production has been an important factor.
Sam Montembeault
G, Montreal Canadiens
2025-26 Stats: 9 GP | 3.52 GAA | .861 SV%
Montembeault has had a disappointing start to the season, with a save percentage of .861. Analytically, he has been one of the worst goalies in the league in his position.
Brayden Point
C, Tampa Bay Lightning
2025-26 Stats: 16 GP | 3 G | 6 A
Point, known for its high performance, has had a start to the season below its standards. Its numbers, although they will improve, have not been as expected.
Steven Stamkos
C, Nashville Predators
Statistics 2025-26: 18 GP | 3 G | 1 A
Stamkos has had a difficult start to the season, with only three goals in 18 games. This poor performance has generated speculation about his future in Nashville.
MacKenzie Weegar
D, Calgary Flames
2025-26 Stats: 18 GP | 0 G | 4 A
Weegar, a defenseman with a good offensive track record, has had a slow start to the season in terms of production. His numbers and the Flames’ overall poor performance have been a cause for concern.
As the season progresses, the performance of these players and teams will be key in defining the course of the NHL. Time will tell if the stars can recover and if the initial surprises consolidate.
