Kerby Rychel is surprised. He has been on a hot streak for the Toronto Marlies of late, with 13 points in his last 16 games after only six in 17 games to open the season.



But the 22-year-old winger is caught off guard when those stats are brought to his attention after a recent game.



“Is that what it is?” he asked. “I wasn’t really aware of what it was.”



Marlies coach Sheldon Keefe points to an improved perspective as a reason for his production.



“He’s playing with more confidence recently,” Keefe said. “He’s figured out where to stand and what plays he can have success with on the power play. It’s been a big part of his production.”



Rychel was a first round pick three years ago, drafted 19th by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013. He had 89 points in 58 games in his final year of junior hockey, too, so perhaps his recent hot streak shouldn’t be...