Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Each NHL season brings with it no small amount of surprises.
Several surprising NHL players racked up points in the first week of regular-season action. Even if it’s not sustainable, these players deserve a closer look, although we limited this list to a maximum of one player per team. In no particular order:
Mark Kastelic, C, Boston Bruins
The 25-year-old Kastelic joined the Bruins from the Ottawa Senators this summer in the Linus Ullmark trade, but he upped his game against Atlantic Division rivals.
In his first four games with Boston, Kastelic generated three assists and five points. His two goals came against the Montreal Canadiens, while his three helpers came on Monday against the Florida Panthers.
The most Kastelic has produced in a single NHL season is seven goals and 11 points in 65 games, which he put up with the Senators in 2022-23. He’s not likely to rise up the B’s depth chart from his current spot on the fourth line, but if Kastelic can continue to chip in offense the way he’s done thus far, he will become a quick fan favorite.
Mark Kastelic was the centerpiece of the Linus Ullmark trade, not enough people are saying this
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) October 14, 2024
Stefan Noesen, RW, New Jersey Devils
At age 31, Noesen has carved out a solid place for himself as a secondary scorer, and that’s why the Devils signed him to a three-year contract worth $2.75 million annually. He’s currently slotted in as New Jersey’s third-line right winger, and he’s already posted four assists and six points in five games in his second stint as a Devil.
Noesen’s early success coincides with Paul Cotter’s scoring touch. Cotter could have easily been listed here instead, posting an assist and four goals, including one in each Global Series game against the Buffalo Sabres. Then there’s rookie Seamus Casey, who collaborated with Noesen for a goal on Monday.
Noesen was a high draft pick – another former Senator who went 21st overall in 2011 – but like many top picks, he’s had to adjust to a depth role. Considering he amassed 27 goals and 73 points in the last two seasons combined, Noesen is in his prime. And the Devils’ incredible depth this year is apparent in part because he’s making the most of his opportunities.
Martin Pospisil, C, Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames’ line of Jonathan Huberdeau, Pospisil and Anthony Mantha is a treat to see succeed.
Huberdeau’s playing some of his best hockey as a Flame after struggling to replicate his production from his Florida years. Mantha is off to a hot start after having a bit of a bounce-back campaign last season. And the determined Pospisil dealt with multiple lengthy injury recoveries en route to making the NHL full-time last season.
Pospisil is only 24 years old, but he put up four assists and five points in the Flames’ first three games. After recording eight goals, 16 assists and 24 points last season, he’s clicking as the center for Huberdeau (five points) and Mantha (four points).
With a cap hit of just $1 million in this season and the next, Pospisil is on track to be a terrific bargain for Flames GM Craig Conroy.
Pospisil will probably continue to get significant opportunities as the Flames rebuild and figure out who will be a part of the long-term solution. So long as he continues to make a difference on the scoresheet, Pospisil will be a valuable member of the Flames.
Barrett Hayton, C, Utah Hockey Club
Utah has gotten off to a stellar start to this season, and one of the key reasons why is the performance of the 24-year-old Hayton.
Hayton has three goals and five points in four games this year. That’s as many goals and half as many points that Hayton produced in 33 NHL games last season when he had three goals and 10 points.
Hayton signed a two-year contract this summer worth $2.65 million per season. As he centers star captain Clayton Keller and veteran Nick Schmaltz on the first line, that cap hit is a tremendous value for what Hayton has brought to the table thus far.
Hayton doesn’t have to lead the NHL or the team in points for Utah to succeed. All he has to do is work well alongside the play-drivers. At the moment, that’s exactly what he’s done.
Emil Heineman, LW, Montreal Canadiens
Heineman spent most of last season with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, putting up 15 goals and 29 points in 48 games. He also had his first taste of NHL action last year, playing in four games without registering a point. But this year, the 22-year-old has two goals in his first three games this season on Montreal. That’s coming on just 10:12 of ice time per game.
Heineman is in the final year of an entry-level contract with a $897,500 cap hit. He’ll be an RFA next summer – and while Heineman is currently on the fourth line on the Canadiens’ depth chart, he’s making a good case for promotion when Montreal management moves some veteran forwards at some point this season and beyond.
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