- Oct 16, 2026
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Auston Matthews has rebounded emphatically early in the 2026-27 NHL season, climbing from the 73rd to the 94th percentile in maximum power after the Toronto Maple Leafs center appeared diminished. His playmaking numbers have soared, though he has generated fewer individual chances at five-on-five.
Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers has emerged as the frontrunner for the Norris Trophy. The defenseman placed second in last month's High Noon rankings and is poised to capitalize on a favorable schedule featuring 28 Pacific Division matchups against defensively weak opponents. He posted 95 points last season.
Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy winner, has opened 5-0 with a 1.27 goals-against average and .948 save percentage. The Senators benefit from the return of top defensive pair Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub from injury.
New York Rangers netminder Dylan Garand, a 2022 World Junior champion with Canada, has established himself as a reliable long-term backup after a strong AHL tenure.
The Utah Mammoth lead the Central Division at 6-2-0, building on their first playoff appearance last spring when they pushed the eventual champion Vegas Golden Knights hardest before the Stanley Cup Final. Utah ranks fifth league-wide in five-on-five expected goal share since 2024 and sits at 65.05 percent this season.
Source: Daily Faceoff - Sat Oct 17, 9:00 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).