Obviously, the most positive development this season is the progress of rookie sensation Alex DeBrincat. Despite all the negatives around him, the emerging NHL sniper is on a tear to the tune of being on pace for a 30-goal rookie campaign.
His 21 goals has the diminutive winger sharing the team lead in goal scoring with Patrick Kane. Even more remarkable is he has reached this plateau playing much of the time on the third line.
Prior to this season, it was Oilers superstar and former linemate with the Erie Otters Connor McDavid who alerted the hockey world this kid was not someone who produced great numbers merely because of the stars he played with as a junior.