December is approaching and several players will be looking to prove that their impressive offensive starts to the season are no coincidence. Five forwards are particularly surprising, having maintained a production rate of at least one point per game since the launch of the regular schedule.
Aliaksei Protas (Washington)
18 games: 7 goals, 11 assists, 18 points
Protas plays on the Capitals’ first line. It will be interesting to see how his rate of production will be affected by Alex Ovechkin’s injury. Protas has never reached the threshold of 30 points in a season in the Bettman circuit.
Anthony Richard (Philadelphia)
6 games: 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points
The former CH forward has been doing well with the Flyers since his recall from the American League. He was flanked on the wing by Matvei Michkov during the team’s last game, in addition to playing on the second wave of the power play.
Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay)
17 games: 5 goals, 12 assists, 17 points
Known primarily as a reliable 200-foot forward, Cirelli never recorded more than 45 points in a season during his career. He could very well eclipse that mark this year with the Lightning.
Connor McMichael (Washington)
18 games: 12 goals, 7 assists, 19 points
At 23, McMichael finally seems ready to break into the big league. His 11 goals at 5v5 this season puts him first in this regard in the NHL.
Mason Marchment (Dallas)
16 games: 6 goals, 12 assists, 18 points
While most of the Stars’ offensive engines are having a rough start to the season, Marchment is shining in Dallas. The 6-foot-5 winger has 53 points in 2023-24, his best career haul to date.
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