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It might be very early within the NHL season, however quite a few gamers have taken the initiative to start out their 2024-25 marketing campaign on the correct foot.
The next are quite a few former QMJHL stars who’ve actually impressed to start out the season.
G Samuel Montembeault (Montreal)
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When discussing who is perhaps Staff Canada’s goalies on the 4 Nations Face-Off this winter, many scoffed on the thought of Montembeault making the crew.
The argument was that Canadian goaltending has fallen off a lot that guys like Montembeault may realistically make Staff Canada and doubtlessly get into video games.
Look who’s laughing now.
By means of 4 video games, Monty has been capable of put up a .932 save proportion — in the meantime his backup Primeau has solely secured an .862.
Montembeault has been so good, he is the second in targets saved above anticipated with 5.5, and prime 10 in targets saved above common with 4.58.
It is an especially small pattern dimension, however the final couple years the previous Armada star goaltender has proven a capability to steal video games. If he can proceed to try this, he very effectively may very well be the crew’s starter — and that is no slight in opposition to him in any approach.
C Ivan Barbashev (Vegas Golden Knights)
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It is at all times felt like there’s been one other stage ready to be unlocked in Ivan Barbashev’s recreation. As soon as a 60-point scorer with the Blues, he struggled to match these totals the next season.
After getting dealt to Vegas he as soon as once more grew to become potent with the puck. Though, final season he regressed as soon as once more and was solely was capable of register 45 factors.
Regardless of no adjustments in ice time, Barbashev has seemingly return to type to start out the 12 months as he is been capable of pot eight factors (4+4) over his first six video games — for third on his crew in factors.
The previous Wildcat will look to proceed his play as he is on the hunt for his third Stanley Cup with the Knights.
C Jonathan Huberdeau (Calgary)
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He was ranked as ranked first in whose unhealthy season was extra of an indication of issues to return, and ranked because the NHL’s second worst contract.
Which may’ve been harsh, however that is what occurs while you put up back-to-back 50 level seasons as a former 100+ level scorer.
Nevertheless, the two-time QMJHL champion has come into this season as a person on a mission — to alter that narrative.
He is begun this season purple sizzling, with six factors over his first 5 video games — tied for first on the Flames in factors and the previous Sea Canine is the only possessor of the lead in targets.
Whereas it is unlikely he’ll bounce again to his profession greatest 115 level season, Huberdeau is displaying indicators of life that he can nonetheless be an affect first line ahead.
RW Drake Batherson (Ottawa)
© David Kirouac-Imagn Photos
Drake Batherson has at all times been an excellent participant, however he is appeared to have elevated himself into turning into an important participant to start out his 2024-25 marketing campaign.
The previous Armada and Eagles star is as much as six factors (3+3) over his first 5 video games, and has been way more energetic throughout.
He is seemingly taken over Josh Norris’ spot on the ability play on the prime of the faceoff dot, and has regarded dominant.
Anecdotally, he is seemingly gotten sooner and way more affected person with the puck, making an attempt to bait the goaltender slightly than pressure a shot to a well-positioned netminder.
Offense has by no means been the difficulty for the Sens, but it surely certain would not damage to have one more participant elevate their recreation to the subsequent stage.
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