Kucherov is one of the most skilled players of all time, never mind today. Crosby is probably done winning MVPs and scoring titles, but a season of good health should allow him to become the 15th player in NHL history to reach 1,500 points. His 1.22 points per game last season represented his highest mark since 2018-19 and his second-best since 2013-14. While Crosby isn't quite the two-way force of nature he once was, Sid the Kid isn't done by any means. The Rangers showed they have the pieces to contend, but make no mistake: Their star goalie is the franchise. Amid an offensive outburst across the NHL, Shesterkin blew his peers out of the water last season, leading them in save percentage (.935), goals-against average (2.07), and goals saved above average (44.9). Shesterkin is fresh off one of the most dominant goaltending seasons we've ever seen and, in our estimation, is the league's best netminder. The towering Swede chipped in with an additional 19 points in 23 playoff games while averaging almost 25 minutes per contest as the Bolts made their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightningĭeath, taxes, and Hedman being a Norris finalist: The Tampa Bay Lightning rearguard was nominated for the sixth straight season after he finished third among all blue-liners with 85 points in 82 games. No matter who the Panthers put on his wing, Barkov has proven he's an elite two-way center who can get the most out of his linemates. Barkov found another level offensively, tallying a career-high 39 goals and scoring at a career-best rate with 88 points in 67 games. Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyĢ021-22 marked the second straight season where Barkov earned votes for the Lady Byng, Selke, and Hart Trophies. Josi may not repeat that performance, but he's still one of the game's most special players. He finished with 96 - the most since Phil Housley in 1992-93 when goalies couldn't stop beach balls. It's ridiculous that Josi flirted with 100 points as a defenseman last season. It feels like Vasilevskiy has been the best at his position for ages, but he's only 28 and seemingly has much more to give. The Lightning backstop is the most clutch goaltender in the league, having put up historic numbers in series-clinching games throughout the past three postseasons. 920 regular-season save percentage while collecting two Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe, and a Vezina Trophy. Vasilevskiy led the NHL in wins each of the past five seasons, posting a. After posting 108 points as a superstar sophomore, there's no telling what Kaprizov's ceiling may be. He's the complete package offensively, but his defensive contributions fly under the radar on a strong two-way Wild squad. Kaprizov went from a hotshot prospect to the real deal in the blink of an eye. He won't have former linemates Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm, but there's no reason Gaudreau can't put up some big numbers in Columbus. He tied for second in the league with 115 points (40 goals, 75 assists) and was also a bonkers plus-64 in 2021-22. Now the winger will break into a new market after a career year. Gaudreau threw the hockey world for a bit of a loop after signing with the Blue Jackets in free agency. Bergeron remains one of the best well into his late 30s. He racked up 65 points in 72 games to go with a hilariously good 69.2 xGF%. He collected his fifth Selke Trophy after a typically dominant two-way campaign from the 37-year-old. It's remarkable: Every year, pundits predict the Bruins will take a step back, and then Bergeron goes out and puts up another elite season. Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / Getty Even at 34 years old, Marchand remains one of the game's best competitors and all-around players. The ultimate pest, you hate Marchand if he's on the opposition, but you'd love to go into battle with him on your team. He's the right-hand man on arguably the league's most dominant offense and will be a 100-point threat for years to come. Marner has been one of the world's most dynamic playmakers since he entered the NHL and is coming off a season in which he buried a career-high 35 goals thanks to a much-improved shot. The 30-year-old has been one of the best wingers in the league for most of his career and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. Panarin is the heartbeat of the Rangers' attack, and he's registered 249 points in 186 games since arriving on Broadway. However, New York was overreliant on goaltender Igor Shesterkin last season - the Rangers failed to control the majority of the expected goals and shot attempts at five-on-five, per Natural Stat Trick - and Fox will be key to cleaning that up. He finished fourth among all defensemen with 74 points in 78 games in 2021-22. ![]() Fox is a stud for the New York Rangers at just 24 years old, and he's only one season removed from winning the Norris Trophy.
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