Matthews Earns NHL First Star Honors After Nine Point Week

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews earned the NHL's first star of the week honors after recording a league-leading nine points in three games, the league announced in a report published Oct. 12, 2026. The center collected three goals and six assists, including two four-point performances, to lead Toronto's offensive production during the week.

According to The Canadian Press, Matthews delivered a goal and three assists in Toronto's 5-4 comeback victory over Nashville last Tuesday. He scored the overtime winner, marking the 15th overtime goal of his career and moving him into second place on the Maple Leafs' all-time list.

Matthews continued his strong scoring run Saturday, recording two goals and two assists in a 6-3 win over Colorado. The performance marked the 19th four-point game of his career, according to The Canadian Press.

His weekly total of nine points surpassed the production of other players recognized among the league's leading performers during the same period.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger received recognition after posting a 2-0-1 record for the week. He allowed just one goal on 60 shots, according to The Canadian Press.

Oettinger began the week with consecutive shutout victories against San Jose and Buffalo. He then made another appearance Saturday, when Dallas lost 2-1 to Pittsburgh in a shootout.

New York Rangers left winger Alexis Lafreniere led the NHL with five goals during the week and added two assists. His scoring output included his third career hat trick and his second career four-point game, both achieved in a victory over the New York Islanders last Tuesday, according to The Canadian Press.

The weekly honors recognized Matthews' overall offensive production, Oettinger's goaltending performances and Lafreniere's goal-scoring output. The Canadian Press first published its report on Oct. 12, 2026.