This article is part of our NHL Barometer series.
This week's article includes the Calder Trophy winner even better as a sophomore, a D-man on a roll in the U.S. nation's capital, Darcy on fire in the desert, two veteran buy-low candidates, several big names sidelined and a high-profile acquisition off to a very slow start in Toronto.
First Liners (Risers)
Pierre-Luc Dubois, C, CLM – Dubois started slowly but has found his scoring legs recently. Friday was the first multi-point performance of the year for the 21-year-old, but Dubois has been rock solid as the Jackets' No. 1 center, finding the scoresheet in five consecutive games and totaling six goals and 10 points in 13 games. Dubois took a step forward with 61 points last season and it wouldn't be shocking to see him exceed that output this year.
Elias Pettersson, C, VAN – Pettersson notched 28 goals and 38 assists in winning the Calder Trophy last season. Through the early portion of the 2019-20 season, the 20-year old Swede is making that output look downright pauper-esque. Pettersson scored twice Saturday, giving the pivotman six goals and 20 points in only 14 games this season. Nine of his points have come with a man advantage, and it seems like there's no stopping Pettersson.
David Perron, LW, STL – Perron missed 25 games with an injury last season but still had a productive campaign, notching 23 goals and as many assists in 57 games, including an 11-game point streak. He has shown few signs of slowing
