Welcome to the NHL Star Power Index, a weekly look at players generating significant attention in the league. Inclusion in this list signifies a player is capturing the hockey world`s interest.
The players are presented without ranking based on buzz. We will revisit the Star Power Index each week throughout the regular season.
The Vegas Golden Knights are seeing a strong return on their investment in Jack Eichel since his acquisition from Buffalo in 2021. After leading the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup in 2023, Eichel is having what is arguably his best statistical season.
Eichel has reached a career-high 90 points (26 goals and 64 assists), surpassing his previous high of 80 points achieved once in his ten seasons.
Eichel scored a hat trick in Tuesday`s 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild, his third since joining Vegas and tying for the second-most in franchise history.
His goals included being in the right place to capitalize on a rebound and displaying skill on a power play with a powerful shot.
After a career-best 109-point season in 2022-23, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars experienced a slight dip in performance. However, he seems to have rediscovered his top form.
Robertson leads Dallas in goals with 32 and is tied for second in points with 73. He recently scored a natural hat trick in the second period of a 4-3 win against the Edmonton Oilers.
His hat trick included a backhand goal, a shot from a two-on-one after exiting the penalty box, and another goal to secure a commanding lead.
While unlikely to surpass his career-high of 46 goals, Robertson`s offensive production has increased this season, marking his third 30-goal season in the last four years.
With injuries to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Edmonton Oilers have relied on other offensive sources, and Evan Bouchard has significantly stepped up.
Bouchard has recorded points in three of his last five games, including a two-assist game in a loss to Dallas. He contributed to closing a 4-0 deficit against the Stars.
He has three assists in his last three games and has totaled four goals and eight assists in March.
Bouchard ranks third on the team in points (57), behind McDavid and Draisaitl, and is among the top defensemen in the league for points and assists.
While not as offensively dominant as McDavid or Draisaitl, Bouchard provides crucial playmaking for Edmonton, especially as the playoffs approach.
The Colorado Avalanche`s decision to trade for MacKenzie Blackwood earlier in the season appears to be a significant upgrade in goaltending.
Blackwood has a 21-8-3 record with a 2.15 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in 32 games for the Avalanche. He is also tied for third in the NHL with four shutouts.
He recorded his fourth shutout against the Kings and has allowed two or fewer goals in his last three starts.
Blackwood has been a consistent and strong presence in net for Colorado, becoming the reliable goaltender they need heading into the postseason.
