Detroit Red Wings
Early Season NHL Scoring Leaders Shine: Three Key Takeaways
This season so far, four NHL players have registered 10 points or more. Who are they? What takeaways can we find by studying the statistics?
The NHL season is underway, and the scoring leaders have wasted no time making a mark. In this post, I’d like to take a current look at the NHL’s top four scorers, all of whom have put up over 10 points. Some of the players on this list might be surprising. In one case, it appears a change of scenery was all that was needed. One player is playing well in a contract year. For others, the fast start is simply proof that their journey to elite status is likely just beginning.
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The Top Four NHL Scorers in Terms of Point Totals
The top four current NHL scoring leaders are listed below, with a brief overview of their early-season performance:
Scoring Leader One: Alex DeBrincat (Detroit Red Wings)
Alex DeBrincat has been a scoring machine for the Detroit Red Wings this season. He currently leads the league with 12 points. His eight goals show his goal-scoring prowess and have energized the Red Wings’ offense. He came over in a deal from the Ottawa Senators and he’s quickly proving GM Steve Yzerman was wise to bring him to a place he wanted to be.
Scoring Leader Two: Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings)
Dylan Larkin, also with the Red Wings, has put up 11 points, making him second in the league. His eight assists show his strong playmaking abilities, and he’s also been a key contributor to Detroit’s early-season success.
Scoring Leader Three: Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)
Jack Hughes is off to a blazing start with 10 points in only four games. He’s been especially potent on the Devils’ power play, recording two goals and five assists. This is an elite player and one of the rising stars in the NHL. There is already talk of a Hart Trophy in his future.
Scoring Leader Four: Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks)
Elias Pettersson has posted 10 points for the Vancouver Canucks. In doing so, he’s demonstrated a well-rounded offensive game. Pettersson also has registered a plus-5 rating, and his contributions extend to both ends of the ice. He’s the leader of this Canucks’ team.
He’s playing in a contract year with some controversy surrounding the fact he’s not yet signed to an extension. It will be fascinating to see how his continued production changes the storyline surrounding him.
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These scoring leaders have helped their respective teams get off to better starts than last season. They will all be worth watching as the NHL season continues to unfold.
Three Takeaways from Studying the NHL Statistics Page
As I study the statistics for the NHL’s four highest scorers, I want to share what I have gleaned from these early-season, top-point producers. What do their performances thus far suggest?
Takeaway One: DeBrincat and Larkin Leading the Charge
The Red Wings are making a mark with two players at the top of the scoring charts. DeBrincat’s eight goals lead the league, and Larkin’s eight assists highlight his playmaking ability. This is a strong start for Detroit and suggests an offensive resurgence for the team.
Neither of the two Red Wings’ point leaders is one-dimensional. They’re making an impact at even strength and on the power play. DeBrincat and Larkin both have two power-play goals, which points out their effectiveness in various game situations.
Takeaway Two: The Scoring Leaders Have Been Accurate Shots
It probably is a no-brainer, but the top four scoring leaders also display shooting efficiency. All four exhibit impressive shooting percentages, which shows their accuracy. Jack Hughes is scoring at an astonishing 18.2% shooting percentage. He’s making his shots count.
The Canucks’ Elias Pettersson isn’t far behind. He has scored with a 16.7% shooting accuracy. While he’s taken fewer shots on goal, like Hughes he’s also made them count.
Takeaway Three: Jack Hughes’ Per-Game Productivity Is High
Despite playing fewer games, Jack Hughes has been exceptionally productive, averaging 2.5 points per game. His average ice time is high, which gives him more chances to score. However, it also shows that his coach trusts him in all situations.
The Bottom Line
As the NHL season progresses, these early leaders currently are making significant impacts on their teams. The usual suspects, for example, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are lower on the scoring list. Their Edmonton Oilers team is suffering from a slow start. In addition, McDavid had a recent injury.
That said, this early in the season makes for dynamic shifts in the scoring leader. One good game or two can quickly lift a player in the charts. For interested fans, it’s wise to keep an eye on each player’s continued contributions and how they shape their respective franchises’ fortunes over the coming months.
As always, the NHL’s scoring race promises to be exciting. Right now, these players are leading the charge. But, will that change?
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