Whether it’s being overshadowed by their teammates or the rest of the NHL’s top players, these six underrated players truly deserve more recognition for their exceptional contributions to the game, as noted by sports writer Jacob Stoller.
In the competitive world of NHL, talent can often be undervalued for various reasons. Players performing at an elite level may find themselves in the shadows due to the market they play in or the star power of their teammates.
Additionally, some players remain unnoticed because their unique skills and strengths are not always highlighted in flashy plays or the statistics sheet. It’s time to shed light on these unsung heroes and show appreciation for their talent and dedication that often goes unnoticed in the limelight.
Kevin Fiala, LW, Los Angeles Kings
People often underestimate just how good Kevin Fiala truly is. Despite being named to his first All-Star Game at 27, Fiala has proven himself as one of the NHL’s most impactful wingers since the 2021-22 season.
His consistency shines through, evident in his impressive average of 1.04 points per game across his last 151 regular-season matches.
Delving deeper into Fiala’s performance reveals his excellence during 5-on-5 play. Among wingers with at least 500 minutes of play over the past two years, Fiala ranks impressively, securing the fifth-highest number of primary assists (1.21) and the seventh-highest points (2.79) per 60 minutes, as per [naturalstattrick.com](http://naturalstattrick.com/).
Fiala’s prowess extends to his dynamic passing skills, where he excels in creating offensive opportunities during transitions.
Tracking data by Corey Sznajder of allthreezones.com highlights Fiala’s proficiency. In 5-on-5 play, he stands out with the fourth-most high-danger passes (3.26), fifth-most scoring chance assists (6.71), and the second-most rush assists per 60 minutes (11.1).
While Fiala may not bask in the same limelight as some of the league’s top wingers, his performance speaks volumes. So, the next time you’re discussing the best wingers in the game, make sure not to overlook the talent and impact that Kevin Fiala brings to the ice.
Noah Cates, C, Philadelphia Flyers
While Noah Cates’ rookie campaign may not have caused Cates jerseys to become commonplace in Philadelphia, there is no doubt the 24-year-old is on the cusp of becoming a highly regarded player league-wide.
In his 82 games with the basement-dwelling Flyers, Cates impressively recorded 38 points, showcasing his potential as a rising star. Notably, 11 of these points came in his final 14 games, highlighting his growing impact towards the end of the season.
Cates is recognized for his remarkable defensive prowess, embodying the qualities of an elite shutdown third-line center akin to notable players like Jordan Staal, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Adam Lowry, and Boone Jenner. While these players may not always grab the headlines, their value is undeniable, particularly in playoff scenarios where defensive reliability is crucial.
Evidenced by his 15th place finish in Selke voting as a rookie, Cates is undoubtedly on the right trajectory to establish himself as the next standout third-line center in the league.
Carter Verhaeghe, LW, Florida Panthers
It’s high time we give Carter Verhaeghe the recognition he truly deserves. I mean, have you seen him play? He’s definitely one of the best goal-scorers in the league! Check this out: best goal-scorers in the league
Verhaeghe is truly a versatile threat on the ice, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities from various situations.
Whether it’s initiating plays from the inside, during transition, or through aggressive forechecking, he consistently demonstrates his knack for making an impact.
Since the start of the 2020-21 season, especially during his inaugural season with the Panthers, Verhaeghe has stood out with an impressive performance, ranking eighth in the NHL for 5-on-5 goals per 60 minutes played (1.30) among players with a minimum of 500 minutes, as reported by naturalstattrick.com.
What sets him apart is not just his regular-season prowess but also his remarkable playoff performances over the past three years.
During this time, he has not only secured a league-leading seven game-winning goals but has also accumulated an impressive 30 even-strength points, placing him tied for the fifth-highest in the league during that span.
Looking back at his exceptional 2022-23 season, Verhaeghe left a lasting impact with an outstanding performance.
He lit the lamp an impressive 42 times and contributed a total of 73 points in 81 regular-season games.
Even in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs, he continued to shine, adding another 17 points in 21 playoff appearances. Verhaeghe’s consistency and ability to elevate his game during critical moments make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Jake Walman, D, Detroit Red Wings
Jake Walman, a defenseman often flying under the radar, embodies the qualities of a coach’s dream player.
At 27 years old, his game revolves around simplicity and efficiency. Walman is self-aware, understanding his strengths and not trying to imitate flashy plays like Mortiz Seider. His game’s beauty lies in the subtle positive impact he consistently delivers, often unnoticed by the casual observer.
Impressive in executing zone exits, he ranked 13th among defensemen in carried exits per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 this past season, according to allthreezones.com.
Walman’s strategic gameplay as a cerebral defenseman shines through his decision-making on when to engage in offensive plays, when to hold back, and when to distribute the puck. Standing tall at 6-foot-2 with a left-shot, he complements Seider well, offering a sense of security to the highly skilled yet occasionally daring offensive defenseman.
In the previous season’s 63 games, Walman maintained an average ice time of 19:43 minutes per game, showcasing his reliability on the ice with nine goals and 18 points. Additionally, his low average of 2.28 expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 places him 14th among defensemen with a minimum of 500 minutes played this season, as per naturalstattrick.com.
Ryan Graves, D, Pittsburgh Penguins
Ryan Graves is a player cut from a similar cloth to Walman, only three inches taller and not quite the puck magician. Yet, Graves embodies sturdiness. This left-shot defenseman is set to blend seamlessly into Pittsburgh’s blue line alongside Kris Letang and Jeff Petry on the right (or maybe even Erik Karlsson).
Graves has been commanding over 20 minutes of ice time per game in his last two seasons with New Jersey. A versatile top-four defenseman, he possesses a coveted skill set.
His prowess shines in transitions and below the hash marks, where his large frame and sharp hockey sense restrict opponents’ space. While not a power-play specialist, he excels on the penalty kill and is adept at skating out of trouble, orchestrating plays in transition.
Filip Gustavsson, G, Minnesota Wild
Filip Gustavsson’s transformation last season was nothing short of remarkable. From a third-string goalie in Ottawa to the Wild’s 1B goalie next to Marc-Andre Fleury, his ascent was meteoric.
In just 39 games, Gustavsson boasted a 22-9-7 record, a stellar .931 save percentage, and three impressive shutouts. Notably, his 0.628 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes placed him fifth among goalies with over 20 games played, as reported by moneypuck.com.
As the playoffs unfolded, Gustavsson seized the starting goalie role, standing tall in five of the seven playoff matchups with an outstanding .921 save percentage.
A defining moment came when the 25-year-old shattered records for the Wild, making an incredible 51 saves in Game 1 against the Dallas Stars. Gustavsson’s rise to prominence is a story worth celebrating in the realm of hockey lore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the individual accomplishments and unique attributes of these players speak volumes about the depth of talent present in the NHL today.
Noah Cates has emerged as a defensive stalwart, Carter Verhaeghe as a formidable goal-scorer, Jake Walman as an unheralded yet crucial defenseman, and Filip Gustavsson has made an indisputable case as a top-flight goaltender.
These athletes, though different in their paths and playing styles, each exemplify the dynamic nature of the sport and serve as testaments to the diverse skill sets that contribute to success on the ice.
Undoubtedly, they will continue to grab the headlines and etch their names into the annals of NHL history in the seasons ahead.
