With October nearly in the books, many of the NHL's elite are already rewarding fantasy managers who invested in them early in drafts. From familiar names living up to expectations to rising stars proving they're no flash in the pan, here are the Top 10 performers of October.

(Statistics courtesy of Frozen Tools and MoneyPuck.com)

10.   Seth Jarvis, C/LW/RW, Carolina Hurricanes

Through the first few weeks of the season, Seth Jarvis has been nothing short of electric. He's posted 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in eight games so far, helping the Canes to a stellar 7-1-0 record. Despite registering just one powerplay point so far, Jarvis has torn it up at even strength, currently tied for third overall in expected goals (6.1). While it's early, Jarvis is on pace to shatter his current career high of 67 points and looks poised to continue delivering elite fantasy value all season long.

9.   Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens

Nick Suzuki has led his team admirably so far, racking up 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) through his first ten games. Off to a surprising 7-3-0 start and currently leading the Atlantic Division, the Habs' early-season success simply wouldn't be possible without the contributions of their captain. And given his deflated shooting percentage (8.7%), just a bit more puck luck will push Suzuki's offensive totals to new levels in the months to come.

8.   Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets

Mark Scheifele is off to yet another roaring start this season, recording 13 points (eight goals, five assists) over the Jets' first nine games. Scheifele's incredible start is backed by strong underlying numbers, he currently ranks seventh overall in expected goals, helping the Jets get out to a rock solid 6-3-0 start. With elite skill and an underrated physical edge, Scheifele is one of the league's most reliable forwards and capable of maintaining his impressive offensive totals if health permits.

7.   Matt Boldy, LW/RW, Minnesota Wild

Despite Minnesota's struggles to begin the year (3-4-1, last in the Central Division), Matt Boldy has been steady as ever for the Wild, tallying 11 points (five goals, six assists) in his team's opening eight games. Currently tied for fifth in expected goals leaguewide (5.5), Boldy is proving he can drive Minny's offence alongside superstar sniper Kirill Kaprizov and company. At just 23, Boldy is a rising star who looks primed for a career year.

6.   Nick Schmaltz, C/RW, Utah Mammoth

Nick Schmaltz is living his best life in Utah. After going goalless in his first four games, Schmaltzy has quickly made up for lost time, posting a ridiculous 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) over his first 10 games. With Schmaltz tearing it up and Utah currently leading the Central Division with a 8-2-0 record, Nick Schmaltz is gearing up for a Mammoth season.

5.   Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

New year, same Nate. Through Colorado's first ten games, Nate Dogg has produced 14 points (seven goals, seven assists). Despite losing a tight game in overtime to the red-hot Devils yesterday afternoon, the Avs still boast an impressive 5-1-4 record, thanks in large part to Mack's relentless drive and elite puck skills. A perennial 100-point threat, MacKinnon's competitiveness and unmatched consistency ensure he'll remain among the league's best.

4.   Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings

D-Boss has been a force in the D through his first nine games, racking up 13 points (six goals, seven assists) and helping the Wings get out to an impressive 6-3-0 start. Centering Lucas Raymond and standout rookie Emmitt Finnie on Detroit's top line, the trio has motored Detroit's offence in the early going. As long as Larkin stays healthy, his mix of speed and finishing should keep the Red Wings competitive in the Atlantic division this season.

3.   David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins

Despite Boston's suboptimal 4-6-0 start, David Pastrnak remains a beacon of consistency in Beantown. Pasta has tallied 13 points (five goals, eight assists) through Boston's first ten games, including six points with the man advantage. While the Bruins have struggled to score as a team, Pastrnak continues to carry the load with steady shot volume, unteachable creativity, and elite offensive production.

2.   Adrian Kempe, RW, Los Angeles Kings

The Juice is loose to start 2025-2026. Through eight games, Adrian Kempe has registered 12 points (five goals, seven assists) despite missing longtime linemate Anze Kopitar for part of the year. Along with driving the Kings offensively, Kempe has also laid 23 hits so far, giving him some extra multi-cat appeal. Juice's steady two-way game has kept the Kings competitive in the Pacific with a 3-3-2 record, and his willingness to do it all cements his status as one of the most complete wingers in the game.

1. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights

Jack Eichel has started off his new contract in priestly fashion, recording an astounding 16 points (six goals, ten assists) over Vegas' first seven games. Eichel has fired 34 shots (17.6%) so far, leading Vegas to top spot in the Pacific Division with a pristine 5-0-2 record. Eichel looks every bit the franchise centerpiece Vegas envisioned when they acquired him, a powerful, dynamic centre capable of driving the team's offence on a nightly basis (pardon the pun). If even a fraction of his torrid early pace continues, Eichel could be on track for perhaps the best offensive season of his career.

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That's all for this week! Follow me on X @SmoothE27 for more fantasy hockey content and analysis, and feel free to DM me with any questions about your team.

Stay tuned for the next Top 10 on Monday, November 3. Have a great week everyone!