Nikita Nesterenko News: Four helpers in Boston

Nesterenko notched four assists while adding two shots on net, a blocked shot, a hit and a plus-4 rating in Thursday's 7-5 win over the Bruins.

It was a career-best performance for the 24-year-old, who came into Thursday's contest with just six goals and eight points in his prior 36 NHL regular-season games dating back to 2022-23 -- including goose eggs in his first four games this year. However, Nesterenko has flashed some offensive upside in college and the minors, including 13 goals and 34 points in 50 regular-season games for AHL San Diego last year, so the outburst isn't a complete shock. If he sticks in Anaheim's middle six and sees consistent time with centers like Mikael Granlund (two goals and five points Thursday), Nesterenko could put together a surprisingly productive campaign.