NHL Named Three Stars of the Week
Auston Matthews, Jake Oettinger, and Alexis Lafreniere earned league honors for their strong performances.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Hockey
The National Hockey League recognized Auston Matthews, Jake Oettinger, and Alexis Lafreniere as the Three Stars of the Week. Each player delivered significant contributions to help their respective teams secure critical standings points.
Why it matters
These accolades highlight the elite individual efforts that drive team success during the early stages of the regular season. Recognizing these specific athletes underscores the impact of consistent high-level production across the league.
Jake Oettinger maintained a .983 save percentage across three starts, while Alexis Lafreniere achieved his third career hat trick. Matthews bolstered his total by scoring his 15th career overtime goal.
The players
Auston Matthews
He is a prolific center for the Toronto Maple Leafs known for his consistent scoring ability.
Jake Oettinger
He serves as a primary goaltender for the Dallas Stars and is recognized for his high save percentage.
Alexis Lafreniere
He is a forward for the New York Rangers who has demonstrated significant offensive growth.
The details
Auston Matthews led the Toronto Maple Leafs with two four-point performances, while Alexis Lafreniere tallied four points in a single game against the New York Islanders. Jake Oettinger anchored the Dallas Stars defense by recording two shutouts during his three starts.
Timeline
Oct 5, 2026: Jake Oettinger shut out the San Jose Sharks.
Oct 6, 2026: Auston Matthews and Alexis Lafreniere recorded four-point games.
Oct 8, 2026: Auston Matthews and Jake Oettinger participated in NHL games.
Oct 9, 2026: Alexis Lafreniere scored a goal against the Washington Capitals.
Oct 11, 2026: The weekly honors period concluded.
Season Trajectory
These honors reflect the early-season push by star players to secure essential points for their franchises. Consistent performances from core athletes during this stretch dictate the initial playoff picture and division positioning.
The recognition of these players indicates they are currently high-value assets for fantasy rosters and core rotations. Their continued production is critical for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and New York Rangers as they jockey for early division leads.
The takeaway
Individual success in the NHL is heavily measured by consistent point production and save percentages in high-stakes environments. Fans and fantasy players should monitor these top performers as bellwethers for team momentum.
Further reading
For more on the latest league updates, visit Hockey.
