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NHL Eastern Conference’s Top 5 Players So Far This Season

By Daniel Mcclue

Oct 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 20, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Jonathan Marchessault (81) skates with the puck before a game against the Washington Capitals at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Jonathan Marchessault (81) skates with the puck before a game against the Washington Capitals at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Marchessault, Florida Panthers – 10 points in 8 games

When Jonathan Huberdeau went down with a nasty injury there were worries as to who would step up in his absence. The Panthers need not have worried as Marchessault has picked up the offensive slack. With 10 points in 8 games, he sits tied for third in league scoring.

Averaging 18:03 minutes per game, Marchessault has played on a line with Barkov and Jagr. Winning 53.3 percent of face-offs taken, he’s a reliable option should Barkov be kicked out of the face-off circle.

In just his fourth season in the league, Marchessault looks to be one of the players set for a breakout season. Having not played more than 45 games in a season, he’s an unknown quantity. The Panthers could’ve found themselves a gem. He provides a good balance to the top line – Barkov is an all-around phenomenal player, while Jagr has the experience and obvious qualities.

Five goals from 25 shots is not a sustainable rate, but it’s a promising start to the season for the 25-year-old. If he can score more than 20 goals he will be a key player for the Panthers and could shunt them towards the top of the NHL Eastern Conference.

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