The Biggest Overachievers in the 2015-16 NHL Season so Far

In every NHL season, there's several players who exceed expectations. The current campaign is no different. San Jose Sharks right wing Joel Ward (pictured above) and Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Michal Neuvirth are among the handful of overachievers thus far. 

The players on this list have gone beyond the roles expected of them. Prior to 2015-16, Ward was regarded mainly as an energetic depth winger, while Neuvirth wasn't expected to see much action as a backup goalie. This season, however, they've taken their play to unanticipated levels. 

Here's a look at this season's biggest overachievers, comparing their current performance with their career numbers. Rookies were not listed as they don't have a full NHL season to be compared to. As always, feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below. 

Dale Weise, Montreal Canadiens

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The performance of checking-line winger Dale Weise is one reason the Montreal Canadiens are among this season's highest-scoring teams. With nine goals in 26 games, the 27-year-old is tied for second among Habs goal scorers. 

Established as a physical depth forward with a strong work ethic, Weise's 10 goals and 19 points in 79 games last season were career bests. At his current level of performance, he's on track for 28 goals and 46 points. 

Given his role, it's doubtful Weise will actually flirt with 30 goals this season. Still, his overachieving efforts thus far have played a significant part in the Canadiens' strong start to this season. 

Jannik Hansen, Vancouver Canucks

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The Vancouver Canucks' experiment with Jannik Hansen playing right wing with the Sedin twins has worked out thus far. The 29-year-old currently sits third among the Canucks' leading scorers. 

Hansen's previous career highs came in 2009-10 with a 16-goal, 39-point performance. In 26 games this season, he has seven goals and 15 points. That puts him on pace for a 22-goal, 47-point season. His plus/minus of plus-11 is tops on the Canucks. 

Usually seen as a versatile checking-line winger with decent offensive ability, Hansen's been rewarded for elevating his game. He's obviously benefiting from skating with the Sedins, but he earned that spot through his play this season. As the Canucks await more production from their secondary scorers, Hansen's improvement couldn't come at a better time. 

Leo Komarov, Toronto Maple Leafs

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In the first full season of a lengthy rebuild for the Toronto Maple Leafs, veteran winger Leo Komarov has risen to the fore. A popular agitating winger, the 28-year-old is currently the club leader in goals and ranks among its points leaders. 

Usually a physical checking-line forward, Komarov is seeing top-six minutes among Leafs forwards this season. As a result, he's on pace for 34 goals and 47 points. Those numbers are well above his previous career bests. 

On a deeper club, Komarov wouldn't be skating as a top-six forward. On the revamped Leafs, he's earned it with his energetic, hard-working style. It remains to be seen if he'll reach 20 goals or 40 points, but he could have a long-term future as part of the Leafs' leadership corps. 

Lee Stempniak, New Jersey Devils

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The New Jersey Devils took a chance on veteran forward Lee Stempniak, signing him to a one-year contract following a training-camp tryout in September. The 32-year-old has rewarded them by becoming one of their leading scorers this season. 

Stempniak's career-best campaign (27 goals, 52 points in 2006-07) with the St. Louis Blues in long in the past. With 18 points in 24 games this season, he's on track for 61 points. His experience and leadership make him a key factor in the rebuilding Devils' surprisingly strong start. 

At this stage in his career, Stempniak was considered a versatile depth forward. No one expected him to earn top-six minutes with the Devils this season. Even if he falls short of beating his career-high stats, Stempniak's performance to date earns him a spot among the top overachievers. 

Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia Flyers

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Signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers to back up starting goaltender Steve Mason, Michal Neuvirth is among the few bright spots in the Flyers' miserable season. Among goalies with 10 or more starts, the 27-year-old ranks among the league leaders thus far in goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts.

Once considered a potential starting goaltender, Neuvirth is now on his fourth NHL team in two years. He's currently off to the best start of his career. His 2.05 GAA and .936 save percentage are currently well beyond his career numbers, while his three shutouts are one shy of his career best. 

Neuvirth remains in the backup spot behind Mason, who has struggled with his consistency this season. With the Flyers trying to move up in the standings, their roles could change if the overachieving Neuvirth continues to outperform Mason.

Joel Ward, San Jose Sharks

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Signed by the San Jose Sharks last summer as an unrestricted free agent, right wing Joel Ward has nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points in 24 games. That puts him tied for second among Sharks scorers this season. 

What's raising eyebrows is the fact that Ward, who turns 35 on Dec. 2, is on pace for a 30-goal, 67-point performance. His current career-best season came in 2013-14, netting 24 goals and 49 points. He's regularly seeing top-six minutes with the Sharks.

Ward's made a career out of being a strong, versatile checking forward and team player with a decent scoring touch. He's certainly brought those attributes to the Sharks this season, going above and beyond all expectations thus far. 

James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Until goaltender James Reimer was recently sidelined by an injury, his performance gave the rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs hope of moving into playoff contention. The 27-year-old ranks among the league leaders in goals-against average and save percentage.

An unrestricted free agent next summer, Reimer began this season backing up Jonathan Bernier. With the latter struggling, Reimer's made the most of his starting opportunities. With a 2.07 GAA and .934 save percentage, he's putting up stats far beyond his career numbers.

Reimer's overachieving play helped him wrest the starter's role away from Bernier, putting the latter's future with the Leafs in doubt. Reimer's efforts could also bolster his stock in next summer's unrestricted free-agent market. If he continues playing well once he returns to action, Leafs management could attempt to re-sign him. 

Mats Zuccarello, New York Rangers

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After suffering a serious head injury in last spring's playoffs, New York Rangers winger Mats Zuccarello has returned in a big way this season. With 11 goals and 22 points in 25 games, he's currently the Rangers' leading scorer and ranks among the league leaders in points. 

Zuccarello, 28, is on track to tally 36 goals and 72 points this season. Those would be significant improvements over his career-best season of 19 goals and 59 points in 2013-14. What's more impressive is it would be a significant rebound from last season's 15-goal, 49-point decline. 

Only 5'7" and 178 pounds, Zuccarello's earned a first-line role through skill, hard work and determination. While it remains to be seen if he can maintain his current level of production, his overachieving performance set aside any concerns over lingering effects from his head injury. 

All stats as of Dec. 1, 2015 via NHL.com.