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Most Productive Player
American forward Tage Thompson of Buffalo produced eight points, including five goals. He scored a hat-trick in the win over Anaheim, adding two assists in the same game. It was his eighth three-goal game in the world's top league and his first five-point outing in a year.
He also helped beat San Jose with an assist and scored twice against Los Angeles. The Glendale native could reach 100 points for the first time in his career if he maintains this form. The Sabres are riding a three-game winning streak, with his major contribution helping them push for a playoff spot.
Leo Carlsson of Anaheim also recorded eight points. He had identical stat lines against Buffalo and Ottawa, picking up three assists in each game. He added a goal and an assist in the loss to Vancouver. The Swede is tied for seventh in league scoring.
Goaltender of the Week
Russian goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov started three games for Carolina and won them all, while also recording a shutout. He stopped 65 of 68 shots. However, we have chosen a different man as our Goaltender of the Week. Tristan Jarry recorded two shutouts last week.
The 31-year-old Canadian conceded three times as Edmonton lost to Detroit in a shootout, but then slammed the door on Calgary and the New York Islanders. He needed 24 saves for his first shutout and made another 18 stops for the second.
Moment of the Week
Star American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was finally traded. His possible destinations had been discussed for an incredibly long time before he ended up in New Jersey - a destination that had practically never been considered realistic. The move came right at the end, giving the team a major reinforcement in goal who immediately began to pay dividends.
The experienced netminder and 2026 Olympic gold medallist helped beat Dallas 5-1 on his debut, conceding just once on 18 shots. He then recorded a second win against Vegas (5-2), with the Golden Knights beating him twice on 21 attempts. The Devils currently occupy a playoff spot.
Despite the lengthy layoff, Hellebuyck showed no signs of needing time to adapt. He immediately became a key performer and gave New Jersey a chance to win. If everything goes according to plan, this trade could significantly elevate the Devils, who had already quietly strengthened in several areas, particularly on offense, and have now added quality in goal as well.
Stat of the Week
Unstoppable Connor McDavid is on track for a 200-point season and completely dominated October. He recorded a phenomenal 35 points in 13 games during the month. In league history, only Mario Lemieux had better numbers in October, with 38 points in 1988/89 and 36 in 1992/93.
It is hard to believe the kind of show the Canadian is putting on right now. He currently has 39 points in 15 games, including 30 assists. If he can maintain this form, he could challenge not only the points record but also the mark for most assists in a single season. Wayne Gretzky holds that record with 163 assists in 1985/86.
From social media
"It surprised me just as much as everyone else. I didn't expect something like this to happen, but it is what it is," Steven Stamkos said after his Nashville game against Tampa Bay, referring to former teammate Nikita Kucherov after the latter requested a trade from the Lightning organisation.
The star Russian is in the final year of his contract and appears unable to agree to a new deal with the team's management. Stamkos faced a similar situation in the past. He was the Lightning captain and a key contributor to two Stanley Cup wins, but his salary later became incompatible with the salary cap, and he left as a free agent.
Many fans immediately began joking on social media after watching the moment, posting a host of witty comments. "They don't want to pay you either?" one commenter wrote as both players smiled after their first brief battle at the opening faceoff. Kucherov reportedly turned down an average of $15 million per year over four years.
Photo of the Week
Halloween is traditionally an extremely popular holiday in the United States, and many celebrities, among others, are constantly competing for the best costume. The NHL is no exception to the tradition, with the league's players also letting their imaginations run wild. There was certainly plenty to see in the world's top league.
It is difficult to choose just one from the many options, but JJ Peterka appears to have secured his place as King Julien from Madagascar. Devin Cooley, Filip Hronek and Nikita Zadorov were not to be outdone, while Erik Karlsson's portrayal of a character from the Austin Powers film series deserves a category of its own.