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Notable NHL Players off to Surprisingly Slow Starts in 2016-17

Though it's early in the 2016-17 NHL season, several players are off to surprisingly slow starts. Among them are such notables as Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

Several factors could explain why these players aren't performing at the levels expected of them. Some are playing for new teams and need time to adjust. A few have different linemates to start this season. One of them could be feeling the effects of offseason surgery.

Here's a look at some NHL players off to surprisingly slow starts to this season.