NHL Players Who Started Slow But Are Finding Their Game

Some players who were expected to pick up where they left on 2023-24 started slowly this season. Things are starting to trend in the right direction.

Several NHL players who were expected to carry over their strong 2023-24 performances stumbled out of the gate this season. However, recent games show that some of these slow starters are beginning to find their rhythm, turning early struggles into momentum. With growing confidence and adjustments, several names are now trending in the right direction, hopefully elevating their respective teams in the process. Here’s a look at some notable names who’ve started finding their game as the season progresses.

Zach Hyman - Edmonton Oilers

With two goals and three points in his last two games, Zach Hyman is finally starting to produce after going 10 games without a goal. For a player who scored 54 goals the previous season, to reach double-digit games without a goal was a shock.

Hyman’s underlying numbers were still good and he was getting shots and opportunities. For whatever reason, they weren’t going in. Now they are, and for a guy who can score in bunches, the Oilers are hoping Hyman has opened the floodgates.

The timing is ideal as the Oilers lost Connor McDavid to an injury and the team was going to need its offensive stars to step up in their captain’s absence. That’s one of the reasons his turning a corner is even more impressive. He’s doing it without McDavid and one of the false narratives surrounding Hyman is that his production is merely a byproduct of being on McDavid’s line.

Steven Stamkos - Nashville Predators

Steven Stamkos coming to the Predators was a huge storyline this summer. There was likely a sizeable chip on his shoulder after the way he left the Tampa Bay Lightning (felt like he was ousted) and it would have been nice if he and the Predators had gotten off to a strong start. They didn’t.