The first few weeks of the 2026-27 NHL season have already put a handful of familiar names under the microscope. These are not unknowns trying to stick in the league.
They’re established players, the kind who are expected to drive offense, tilt games and keep producing even when the calendar is still young. Instead, each has opened the season with a scoring drought that stands out for different reasons.
Rickard Rakell’s start in Pittsburgh has been the most jarring of the group. Through 10 games, the veteran winger has only one goal and four points, and the finish has simply not been there.
He has taken 24 shots, but has converted on just 4.2% of them. The opportunity has been there, too.
Rakell has spent plenty of time on Sidney Crosby’s first line and is averaging nearly 20 minutes a night, yet the production hasn’t followed. He has had slow stretches before, but this one lands at a time when the Penguins are reportedly exploring moving veteran players to open up space for younger prospects.
If Pittsburgh wants to get the most back in a possible trade, Rakell needs to find his scoring touch again.
In Detroit, Lucas Raymond’s early line looks quiet by his standards, even if the full picture is a little more encouraging. He has one goal and six points through nine games, and his 3.7% shooting rate says the puck hasn’t been going in.
Still, Raymond remains heavily involved in the attack. He is averaging 20:52 of ice time and has already piled up five power-play points.
The Red Wings need more finishing from one of their best forwards, especially with playoff hopes in view. And with Dylan Larkin’s future in Detroit uncertain after his trade request, Raymond could become an even larger part of the franchise moving forward.
Quinton Byfield’s rough opening has come at a bad time for the Kings. Los Angeles has stumbled out of the gate, and Byfield has only one goal and two points in seven games while sitting at minus-six.
With Anze Kopitar retired, more offensive responsibility was supposed to land on the 24-year-old’s shoulders. Instead, he has struggled to put together steady production despite averaging more than 18 minutes per game.
The setback grew more serious when Byfield suffered an upper-body injury and was listed as day to day. For a Kings team already looking for more offense, his health and his scoring both matter right now.
Wyatt Johnston is the one name on this list who feels least alarming, even though the goal column is still empty. The Dallas Stars forward has not scored through seven games, but he has generated 20 shots on goal and collected four assists.
He is also averaging over 20 minutes a night and continues to receive major power-play minutes. After a 45-goal season that included 27 power-play goals, Johnston has already shown he can finish at an elite level.
His current 0.0% shooting percentage is almost certainly not going to last, especially with the chances he’s creating. The goals haven’t come yet, but the signs point to a breakout before long.
In Other News...
Kings Keep Owning Long Island With Another Late Road Statement
The Kings continued their steady work on Long Island with another road win, this time grinding out a 3-2 overtime victory over the Islanders behind a heavy workload from Darcy Kuemper. The veteran goalie stopped 41 shots and backed up a team effort that kept Los Angeles in position to steal two points late, while the game also marked Peter Laviolettes return to the New York area, where he has coached both the Rangers and Islanders.
Los Angeles got the payoff in overtime from Brandt Clarke, a timely finish that fit the Kings recent knack for staying patient away from home and finding a way through in the third period or beyond. Artemi Panarin also had a major hand in the result with two goals against his former New York-area club, adding another layer to a game that was already carrying plenty of local intrigue for a Kings team that seems to keep leaving Long Island with a story worth retelling. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Have Early Call-Up Options Worth Watching Closely
The Kings early-season picture looked a little brighter after their Oct. 22 overtime win, with Brandt Clarke delivering the deciding goal and giving the club its second victory of the regular season. As the roster settles in, attention is already turning toward Ontario, where the AHL affiliate has become an important source of help if Los Angeles needs another boost up front or on the blue line.
Several young players have put themselves in the conversation for an NHL look, and the organization has reason to keep a close eye on what happens next. The Kings are not just looking for emergency depth here, but for potential contributors who can strengthen the roster while continuing to develop, which makes the coming stretch in Ontario worth watching from afar. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Got The Late Road Moment Fans Have Been Waiting For
The Kings are starting to stack results on the road, and this one came with a little extra pulse. Los Angeles earned a 3-2 overtime victory over the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, riding a two-goal night from Artemi Panarin and another timely contribution from a defenseman who has been finding ways to matter in big moments.
After Panarin helped the Kings build a 2-0 lead, the Islanders fought back with goals from Victor Eklund and Matthew Schaefer to force overtime. From there, the Kings got the late road moment they had been chasing, the kind that can settle a room and make a trip feel a lot more worthwhile. [Read more 🡒]