NHL Three Stars: Kochetkov, Suzuki and Markstrom Show Up to Play

Jacob Markstrom Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to the Three Stars of the Week, a regular THN.com file in which we identify three NHLers who made the most positive impact for their team in the past seven days. Let’s move right along to it:

3. Pyotr Kochetkov, G, Carolina Hurricanes

The 24-year-old Hurricanes goaltender was feeling and looking good this week, posting a 2-1-0 record in three appearances, including wins over New Jersey and Colorado. The win over the Devils also saw Kochetkov post his second shutout of the season and his sixth career NHL shutout, turning aside 34 New Jersey shots to improve his individual numbers this week to a 1.86 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage.

Kochetkov’s season numbers now include a 13-8-2 record, 2.50 G.A.A. and .903 SP. They’re not an improvement on his 2022-23 totals (.909 SP, 2.44 G.A.A.), but Kochetkov has already appeared in 26 games this season – two more than his existing career high of 24 games played last season. The Hurricanes are paying him an average annual amount of $2-million through the 2026-27 season, a bargain at that rate. Carolina is still hoping veteran Frederik Andersen returns to action at some point this season, but with Kochetkov looking poised and confident, there’s no need to rush Andersen back. So long as he can give the Canes’ offense a chance to win games, Kochetkov is doing exactly what the team needs him to do.

2. Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens captain led all NHLers this week with three goals – all at even-strength – and five points in just two games, while averaging 22:04 of ice time, including notable minutes shorthanded and on the power play. The 24-year-old center is now on pace for a 50-assist, 76-point season – numbers that would be new career highs for him. With a cap hit of $7.875 million through the 2029-30 campaign, Suzuki is cementing himself as a staple of Montreal’s attack for the foreseeable future.

If Suzuki were playing on a better team, his numbers would be better than they currently are. That said, at a time in Habs history in which they’re in dire need of cornerstone components to build the future around, Suzuki is clearly their top option on offense and he’s not anywhere near his peak. As he gets more talent around him, Suzuki will almost assuredly rise up the league’s ranks as a speedy, slick performer. The future is bright in Montreal because his career trajectory is so promising.

1. Jacob Markstrom, G, Calgary Flames

Markstrom had a rough 2022-23 season, with a .892 SP and 2.92 G.A.A. But this season, the 33-year-old has had a solid bounce-back year – and this week, he posted a 2.00 G.A.A., .939 SP and 3-0-0 record in 3 appearances. Markstrom now has a .915 SP and 2.54 G.A.A. in 32 appearances this season on a sub-par Flames team. With a $6-million cap hit through the 2025-26 campaign, he could be a savvy option for teams looking to address their netminding.

The Swedish native most definitely could help a team like the New Jersey Devils, but Markstrom has a full no-movement clause in his current contract. However, with Calgary just starting out on a major roster rebuild, it’s conceivable that Markstrom would prefer to be playing for a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. He’s shown that he has much left in the tank, and now it’s a matter of Flames GM Craig Conroy finding a short and long-term match for him. Markstrom’s time with Calgary is probably coming to an end, but he looks primed and ready to make a difference for the team that acquires him. If he gets a shot at being a key contributor between the pipes, don’t be surprised to see him thriving.