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Todd Cordell

Artemi Panarin.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are off to an impressive 9-4-0 start and you could argue Panarin is the biggest reason why.

He leads the Jackets in assists (10), points (11), shots (40), scoring chances (43), and shot attempts (83) while driving possession at an elite rate -- the Jackets control just under 60% of the attempts with Panarin on the ice.

He has been a threat almost every time he has touched the ice and is looking like a great addition to a Blue Jackets team that was looking for a little more dynamic ability.

Jared Crozier

Before the season I would have guessed it would be Jordan Eberle, and while he has been ok, hasn't had the impact I had expected on the Islanders so far.

For me, the biggest impact for a newcomer has been Will Butcher for Devils. Finding a free agent defenseman for no cost is a bonus, and it can be hit or miss with those college free agents, even the ones who have won the Hobey Baker award. Butcher got off to a hot start and although he has slowed down a bit he is still averaging a point per game and points aside, he stood out to me in the two games I really got to watch the Devils play against the team I cover.

Peter Tessier

This is funny due to the movement there was last off-season of so much talent across the league. That being said the Lightning and Canadiens made a swap of talent with Drouin going north for Sergachev. In 14 games played Sergachev has 10 points of the Lightning and has fit in well with their group.

He's fit in better than Drouin has from a production standpoint, although in fairness to Drouin the Habs issues are likely having an effect on him. That being said, the Lightning have a powerhouse offence and adding Sergachev at the cost of Drouin has done nothing but help the team and its salary cap going forward.

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