The 2024-25 NHL season is more than a month old, and several players and teams have made unexpectedly strong starts. This raises the question of whether these early performances are sustainable. This analysis will focus on six players around the league who are currently exceeding their usual career statistics and performing at surprising levels.
One of the standout players is Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes, who has garnered attention for his impressive start, accumulating 23 points in his first 15 games, including eight goals. While the Hurricanes have long been a Stanley Cup contender, Necas's scoring rate is unprecedented in his career. If he were to continue on this pace, he would finish with 125 points and 50 goals, numbers that rival some of the league's elite. However, this level of production is likely unsustainable, particularly as his shooting percentage is currently over 27%, far exceeding his career average of 12%. As such, while he is expected to have a strong season, a decline in his current production can be anticipated.
Another notable player is Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets, who is part of a franchise that has not only started the season remarkably strong but has also made history with a 14-1-0 record. Ehlers, historically known for his consistency in goal production, is slightly exceeding his usual output, with nine goals and 18 points in 15 games. However, his shooting percentage is well above his career norm. As a result, it is anticipated that his goal-scoring pace will regress, even while his playmaking ability may remain steady, given his historical performance in assist production during previous seasons.
The San Jose Sharks have faced considerable challenges this season, emerging as one of the league's weaker teams. Yet Mikael Granlund has been a bright spot, contributing 16 points in 15 games after a season in which he posted 60 points in 69 games. While Granlund’s current scoring may appear impressive, one must exercise caution in interpreting these numbers, as a player leading a struggling team often accrues points simply by virtue of playing top-line minutes. Consequently, while he has shown capability, his production may not translate effectively to a better-performing team.
The Colorado Avalanche sought to fill the void left by Nazem Kadri's departure and found their solution in Casey Mittelstadt. Since his acquisition, Mittelstadt has exhibited promising performance, currently on track for a career year with 16 points in 15 games. His shooting accuracy is not excessively beyond his career norms, and he is playing more minutes than ever before alongside a talented roster. This unique environment presents a real opportunity for Mittelstadt to achieve or surpass career-high numbers.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have consistently struggled with their goaltending situation; however, Anthony Stolarz has emerged as a surprising asset with a .930 save percentage in his first 10 starts. Stolarz boasts a decent track record, having posted a .925 save percentage last season while serving as a backup. Nonetheless, at 31 years of age and with a limited history as a starter, it is challenging to predict the sustainability of his current success, particularly given the competitive nature of the league.
Finally, the Anaheim Ducks are experiencing a challenging season marked by a struggling defensive unit, yet Lukas Dostal has risen to the occasion in goal, recording an exceptional .922 save percentage in his first 11 starts. While Dostal has demonstrated impressive performance, the Ducks' defensive play remains a concern. The high volume of quality chances they give up could ultimately undermine Dostal's strong start. While he may possess the potential for further growth as a goaltender, maintaining his current elite performance level could prove difficult.
