Who's acing the NHL season so far? Grades for all 32 teams

TRENDINGNFL Week 8 updatesCFB winners & losersWeek 8 Fantasy Football ToolkitWilliams earns MVP honorsAlvarez schools MbilliStory byStory byWho's acing the NHL season so far? Grades for all 32 teamsMike Brehm, USA TODAYSun, November 1, 2026 at 3:53 PM UTC·7 min readAbout Our AdsRecommended StoriesBiggest Individual Surprises One Month Into The 2026-27 NHL SeasonThe NHL season is a month in, and there’s been plenty to talk about. Whether it's trade requests, absurd point paces, or off-season buyer’s remorse, the NHL hasn't lacked interesting storylines. Today, we look at five of the biggest individual surprises.The Hockey NewsLundell’s hat trick lifts Panthers over Jets 5-2(AP) — Anton Lundell had a hat trick, Seth Jones capped a record-setting month with a goal and two assists, and the Florida Panthers topped the reeling Winnipeg Jets 5-2 on Friday night for their sixth win in eight games.Jones finished October with 18 points — two goals and 16 assists — to break the record for most points by a Florida defenseman in any month.Associated PressFlorida Panthers Built to Avoid Drama Like Kucherov and Larkin Soap OperasTampa Bay's star is the latest disgruntled player to ask out, as the Panthers continue to avoid such controversiesFlorida Panthers On SIAdvertisementAdvertisementEvaluating Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen's First Year With The FranchiseBuffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen is approaching his first full year on the job, so it's a good time to look at his best and worst moves. What grade does Kekalainen deserve for his efforts?The Hockey NewsSabres Atlantic Foes Hampered By Star Player DiscontentBuffalo is currently seventh in the division with a 6-4-3 record, just two points out of a playoff spotThe Hockey News - Buffalo SabresThe Boston Bruins Aren't As Good As Their Record Indicates, But It Doesn't MatterThe Boston Bruins unexpectedly opened the season with one of the NHL's best records. That kind of success won't last, but it's all about banking pointsThe Hockey NewsNHL Trade Rumors: Dylan Larkin Leaves Red Wings, Kucherov to Bruins, & the Trade BoardThe latest NHL Trade Rumors involving Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings, Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the big trade board. The post NHL Trade Rumors: Dylan Larkin Leaves Red Wings, Kucherov to Bruins, & the Trade Board appeared first on HEAVY.HEAVYInsider Provides New Nikita Kucherov Update Amid Lightning Trade RequestA new update on Kucherov has been provided.The Hockey News - Tampa Bay LightningHabs Daily: Fowler Calder Bid, Rocket AHL Success, Suzuki UpdateHere are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Friday. Montreal Canadiens News Jacob Fowler […]SportsnautDevils Announce Connor Hellebuyck Decision Before Vegas Golden Knights GameThe New Jersey Devils announce a decision involving Connor Hellebuyck ahead of their matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. The post Devils Announce Connor Hellebuyck Decision Before Vegas Golden Knights Game appeared first on HEAVY.HEAVYOpinion: Devils Don’t Deserve An Overreaction But Praise For Hot StartThe Devils are 9-5 one month into the 2026-27 NHL season. This time, there’s a higher ceiling than usual, and while fans should pump the brakes, they should remain optimistic about how this season will turn out.The Hockey News - New Jersey DevilsAnton Lundell scores 3 goals, Seth Jones caps record month and Panthers beat reeling Jets 5-2(AP) — Anton Lundell had a hat trick, Seth Jones capped a record-setting month with a goal and two assists, and the Florida Panthers topped the reeling Winnipeg Jets 5-2 on Friday night for their sixth win in eight games.Jones finished October with 18 points — two goals and 16 assists — to break the record for most points by a Florida defenseman in any month.Associated PressNHL Hot Seat Radar: Who's Feeling The Most Heat Early In The 2026-27 Season?It's time for a new edition of THN.com's Hot Seat Radar, an ongoing series in which we pinpoint NHL figures – players, coaches, GMs, and even owners – who are feeling extraordinary pressure at the moment. And in this season's first Hot Seat Radar, two coaches and a pair of GMs are feeling the heat.The Hockey NewsLightning teammates address Nikita Kucherov trade request: 'Tough day'Nikita Kucherov had three assists in his first game after making a trade request. Here's what his teammates said:USA TODAY SportsRed Wings Could Land $9.5 Million MVP in Dylan Larkin Trade ScenarioThe Red Wings could have a new trading partner following big news on Friday night regarding one star player’s trade request.Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman delivered a shocker on Friday evening regarding Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Friedman wrote:“According to multiple sources, Nikita Kucherov has informed both his teammates and the Lightning organization that he […] The post Red Wings Could Land $9.5 Million MVP in Dylan Larkin Trade Scenario appeared first on HEAVY.HEAVYOpinion: Unlike Hellebuyck And Larkin, Nikita Kucherov Is Doing The Lightning A SolidNikita Kucherov shocked the NHL by requesting a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning, but unlike Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin, he is doing his team a solid by doing so.The Hockey NewsReigning MVP Nikita Kucherov requests trade from Lightning in latest NHL twistAdd Nikita Kucherov to the list of disillusioned NHL stars.NY Post SportsSabres' Win Streak Shouldn't Impress Anyone – And The Real Test Is Immediately AheadThe Buffalo Sabres won their third straight game Saturday, beating the L.A. Kings 3-2. But while Sabres fans are happy with the win streak, a close examination of who they beat makes Buffalo's three wins not-so-impressive. And their next six games will be a better indication of Buffalo as a team.The Hockey News - Buffalo SabresAnthony Stolarz Confident Ahead Of Start Against Canucks, Defends Maple Leafs Teammate Sergei BobrovskyIn speaking with The Hockey News on Friday, Stolarz says Bobrovsky is "probably the most battle-tested goalie in the NHL and shares how many factors can lead to a goaltender's struggles.The Hockey News - Toronto Maple LeafsThree Older NHL Stars Struggling In The Early Parts Of The 2026-27 Season; Will They Bounce Back?NHL stars in their late-30s must battle Father Time to stay as effective as they were during their outstanding careers. Some are defying the aging process, but others – including Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane – are struggling to succeed this year. What's fair to expect from older star players?The Hockey News