With each new season that comes around we often see new rookies incoming, experienced professionals retiring, and some players stepping up to the mark when we least expect it. The 2021 season has been no exception for the NHL, with plenty of changes happening. Players have traded teams, freshened up their rosters, and whilst for some the moves haven’t worked out so far, for others, it has been an incredible season so far.
But who are the best performing players so far in the current NHL campaign? Which players have not only sharpened the blades on their skates, but their skills on the ice as well? Well, let’s just take a look at which NHL players have gotten off to a hot start in 2021.
Connor McDavid (C, F) – Edmonton Oilers
Going into his seventh campaign on the Oilers roster, McDavid has had a blinding start to the season. Whilst they’ve not topped their division for some time, they did finish second behind the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, in a COVID-19 interrupted campaign. Which is why it was no surprise to see many people picking them out for their NHL lines this season, with odds of +2200 at the start of the campaign to win the Stanley Cup.
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Thanks to McDavid though, they have slashed the odds of winning to +1000. Still not favorites, but they’re slowly climbing the rankings, and currently sit third in the Pacific Division behind the Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks, having played 24 games with a 16-8 record. McDavid himself has already racked up 43 points in that time, which is right up there with some of the greats of the game, considering how long is left. However, he has failed to find the net in back-to-back games recently. But we’re sure that drought won’t last long.
Leon Draisaitl (C, LW) – Edmonton Oilers
McDavid isn’t the only on form player for Edmonton this season though, as Draisaitl has also had a great campaign with them so far. In 24 games so far this season, he has netted 21 goals and managed 22 assists. However, they’ve just failed to recapture their early season form and are currently on a three game losing streak. It’s not to say that Draisaitl isn’t getting chances though, he’s averaging a decent number of shots per game, but they’re just not finding the back of the net. Hopefully, he and McDavid can find their form again though and do some wonderful things for the Oilers fans this season.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2020/09/21/nhl-awards-oilers-leon-draisaitl-wins-hart-trophy-league-mvp/5857399002/
Nathan McKinnon (C) – Colorado Avalanche
Whilst he’s not played as many games as some, 13 due to injury, he’s still done incredibly well for fans of Fantasy Hockey this season, because he’s a player who really delivers. His natural pace and strength to withstand challenges has always made the Avalanche man a fan-favorite, and he was producing decent stats this season until he was ruled out with a lower body injury.
However, he is back now, and having only played two games, against the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers, he is already proving his worth. He managed an assist and a goal across both games, and helped the Avalanche secure two important wins against both sides, which helped them end the Rangers’ current streak. Currently the Avalanche sit second in the Central Division, albeit having played two games less than the competitors around them.
Nikita Kucherov (RW) – Tampa Bay Lightning
Another player in fine form this season is the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov. He’s actually barely had any ice time as well, having missed a huge chunk of the season due to surgery on an unspecified injury that he picked up. But in the three games he has played, he’s shown he hasn’t lost his touch, recording one goal and three assists, taking him to just four points for the season. But once he regains full fitness, expect those numbers to begin rising rapidly, and the Lightning’s chances of making the postseason increase.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/lightning-f-nikita-kucherov-returns-practice-2021-12-04/
Auston Matthews (C, F) – Toronto Maple Leafs
He didn’t start the season in the greatest of fashion, but Matthews has really grown into his role this season, helping the Maple Leafs reach the top of the Atlantic Division after 27 games (18-7). His form of late is especially impressive, having managed seven goals in just 5 games, however it wasn’t enough for them to win all the games, having lost to the Wild and the Jets. Those poor defensive performances may come back to haunt them as well, with the Panthers and Lightning right on their tail having also played two games less.
Think there are some other players out there who have been better this season? Or maybe you agree with us completely? Let us know your thoughts on the best NHL players so far this season.
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