NHL storylines Top 10 after seven nights

Oct 10, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Detroit Red Wings defensemen Mike Green (25) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Carolina Hurricanes4-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

8. New Faces on New Teams via Free Agency or Trades

Francois Beauchemin, Colorado Avalanche

A player thought to be brought in more for his veteran presence for a group of young defenseman to learn from. Beauchemin has offered an unexpected offensive boost producing five assists in just two games. Erik Johnson has chipped in with two goals and one assist over those two games, while promising young d-man Tyson Barrie has one assist. The Avalanche have some question marks on the back-end, but are hoping offseason acquisition Nikita Zadarov has a breakout season.

Reilly Smith, Florida Panthers

With Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic stealing most of the headlines for Bruins departures in the offseason, it’s easy to forget about Reilly Smith who was traded on July 1st for Jimmy Hayes. He’s fit in nicely with the Panthers top-six, scoring two goals adding one helper in three games with Florida. This is a young man that produced 40 points in a slightly smaller role last season with the Boston Bruins. If he continues to see time alongside Nick Bjugstad and Jussi Jokinen, his production should see a spike from last season.

Viktor Stalberg, New York Rangers

Oct 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) celebrates his goal with left wing Viktor Stalberg (25) during the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden. New York Rangers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Stalberg was bought out by the Nashville Predators, making for a relatively low-risk signing on behalf of the New York Rangers. Viktor Stalberg has shown spurts of productivity over the course of his career, but has struggled with inconsistencies. No need to get excited this early on, but the three assists and plus five rating in four games is promising for a low-risk player on an offensively-starved team.

Carl Soderberg, Colorado Avalanche

Carl’s sample size is simply too small after two games, but the two assists and close to 17 minutes in ice-time on average is promising. A lot of weight was put on the shoulders of this young man to replace the void left by the Ryan O’Reilly, who was traded to Buffalo for Nikita Zadarov and Mikhail Grigorenko. Like we said, its only two games, but so far so good for the young Swede in Denver.

Honorable Mentions:

Brandon Saad, Columbus Blue Jackets
He has two goals in three games, but the team has had struggles as a whole early-on

Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins
A goal and an assist in three games for a winless Pens squad. At least he’s a plus player

Jiri Tlusty, New Jersey Devils
This sneaky under-the-radar FA signing has a goal and an assist in three games for the Devils

Brandon Sutter, Vancouver Canucks
A change of scenery was necessary. Top-six minutes have led to (stats) in four games played, while regaining his form he had in Carolina that made him such an attractive trade piece.

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