Surprises
Pacioretty - Wow, was not expecting this. He seems to have dialed back the years. I think he'll probably do better if we load manage him a little, he doesn't need to play every night. But if he plays ~60 games he'll be a perfect scoring depth piece.
Knies - I've been a Knies believer since he made his NHL debut, but he's already a big problem for the league. Power forwards don't usually blossom this early, and it still feels like he's got so much room to grow. Boy might score 30g this year and is going to get PAID. That move on the PK last night where he faked the spin to the outside then cut across the inside for the shot was absolutely barbaric. Skill, size, shot, work rate, physicality, and IQ, he's the real deal.
McMann - Guy is a player, proving that last year wasn't just a flash in the pan, but rather just the beginning. Perfect middle sixer.
OEL + Stolarz - Both have far exceeded expectations and look like solutions in their positions, rather than role players.
Disappointments
Robertson - King of the preseason. He's just not able to contribute consistently at the NHL level. McMann ate his lunch.
Core 4 - Powerplay is ASS, dawg. Matthews and Marner have been well below themselves (though Marner has been finding his groove) Nylander has been fine, and JT has been atrocious asides the hat trick last night. Solid C- for them as a group.