Kaprizov hits 10-goal mark as Wild stay on top, Central Division roundup

Kaprizov leads the way, Spurgeon to injured reserve

The Minnesota Wild were the only Central Division club in action Sunday and they used the spotlight to tighten their grip on top spot. According to La Presse, Kirill Kaprizov became the first player in the NHL to hit the 10-goal plateau this season, driving a 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sportsnet also points out that goaltender Jesper Wallstedt played a key role in the victory. Minnesota now sits first in the Central with 13 points in 9 games (6-2-1).

There is less good news on the back end. Daily Faceoff reports that the Wild have placed defenceman Jared Spurgeon on injured reserve after he missed the past few games with an upper-body injury.

Utah Mammoth drawing attention on the ice and in the rumour mill

Even with a quiet Sunday, the Utah Mammoth remain firmly in the mix near the top of the division, holding second place with 12 points in 9 games (6-3-0). As The Hockey Writers notes, the Edmonton Oilers answered a 4-2 home loss to Utah by thumping the Mammoth 6-2 on the road Saturday to close out their home-and-home set.

Utah’s fast start has also sparked big-picture talk. In a Sunday "overreactions" piece, Sportsnet floats the idea that acquiring an elite goaltender such as Connor Hellebuyck could turn the Mammoth into a true Cup contender, while making clear this is speculative.

Stars add Perron, Avalanche face goalie questions, Hellebuyck in focus

In Dallas, The Hockey News reports that the Stars have turned to veteran winger David Perron on a one-year deal. With Dallas hit early by injuries, the hope is that Perron’s experience and timely scoring can provide the kind of secondary offence that makes the signing worthwhile as the Stars sit at 4-3-1 (9 points).

The Hockey News also raises concerns in Colorado’s crease. Despite the Colorado Avalanche boasting what it calls arguably the best roster on paper, the outlet notes that goaltending still appears to be an issue. Colorado has committed long term to MacKenzie Blackwood, yet it is short-term veteran Scott Wedgewood who is shining brighter so far.

In Winnipeg, Connor Hellebuyck remains the central storyline. La Presse reports that head coach Scott Arniel’s postgame availability Saturday quickly centred on his suspended goaltender, who is out until October 23. The Hockey Writers adds, in a rumour rundown, that the end of Hellebuyck’s suspension is prompting speculation about whether he will rejoin the Jets. Meanwhile, Sportsnet notes that the club has loaned defenceman Elias Salomonsson to the AHL.

Predators reset, Blues look to prospects, Blackhawks search for traction

The Nashville Predators (3-2-3, 9 points) got a much-needed jolt against a division rival. The Hockey Writers says their 5-2 win over the St. Louis Blues snapped a three-game losing streak and arrived just as their season seemed to be slipping.

For the Blues (3-4-1, 7 points), there is at least encouragement in the pipeline. The Hockey Writers highlights a strong week for prospects, with Tynan Lawrence continuing his hot start at Boston University and Aleksanteri Kaskimäki earning an NHL recall.

In Chicago, The Hockey Writers revisits the 4-0 loss to the Stars and a homestand that has the Blackhawks at 3-6-0 (6 points). The piece notes that Chicago had built some momentum with back-to-back wins over Pittsburgh and Winnipeg and that captain Connor Bedard recently returned to the lineup as the young core tries to find consistency.