We’ve had a month to see what the 2025-26 season has to offer, and frankly, it’s been unpredictable in the best way. Here are the five storylines that have surprised me the most.
5. Matthew Schaefer (D, New York Islanders) I never saw this coming. When the Islanders drafted Schaefer, I thought he was a lock for a nine-game tryout and a quick trip back to juniors. Instead, he has five goals, the most by any defenseman in the National Hockey League. He isn’t just making a difference; he’s the best goal-scoring defenseman in the league right now.
4. Cutter Gauthier (F, Anaheim Ducks) The Ducks are a great story, but Gauthier is the headline. We all knew he was good, but leading the league with 11 goals? He’s not just scoring; he’s scoring big goals, like the clutch one against Dallas. I didn’t think he’d be this good, this fast.
3. Mark Scheifele (C, Winnipeg Jets) With the Jets losing key players and Scheifele being snubbed from the Four Nations team, I thought the Jets were destined to take a step back. Scheifele basically said, “Hold my drink.” He’s fourth in the NHL in even-strength points and has been a true leader. He’s not just playing well; he’s making a definitive case for the Olympic team.
2. Macklin Celebrini (F, San Jose Sharks) Most kids in their second year face the dreaded sophomore jinx. Instead, Celebrini is at the top of the league in points. After a tough start, the Sharks have turned the corner, and he is the primary reason why. He is a dynamic, fun player to watch and has elevated his game.
1. Sidney Crosby & Evgeni Malkin (F, Pittsburgh Penguins) This is a true case of Benjamin Button. You have a 38-year-old Sidney Crosby leading the league in goals and a 39-year-old Evgeni Malkin right there with 20 points. I was among those who thought this might be the end and Pittsburgh should rebuild. Instead, these two legends have put the Penguins at the top of the Eastern Conference. It’s incredible.
Why Aren’t the Canadiens on This List?
Look, I’m not surprised by the Montreal Canadiens. We all should have expected them to have success. We knew their top line of Caufield, Suzuki, and Slafkovsky was one of the better ones. We knew Lane Hutson was fantastic and Demidov was looking good. The only real surprise is that they’re getting this success with Jakob Dobeš playing so well, not Samuel Montembeault. Their success was predictable.
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