As winter begins to bite, the NHL is beginning to heat up. As we approach the halfway point, we are seeing some teams emerge as real contenders for the playoffs. However, it has been quite interesting to note how many teams look competitive. Looking at, for example, the NBA and NFL, both those leagues have a few teams at the top of the betting markets. Whereas, there are almost a dozen in the NHL lumped together by sportsbooks. Certainly, they are having a difficult time separating the Oilers, Panthers, Hurricanes, Stars, Leafs, Devils, and Avalanche in the betting odds.
Yet, if we can’t separate the teams yet, we can talk about brilliant players, those for whom this NHL season has become a showcase for their talent. It’s probably a bit too soon to be talking about MVP awards. But, the following ten players are the names that have stood out and could be in the mix when the awards are handed out later next year.
Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild)
If you follow the coverage of Minnesota Wild games through NHL game previews, you’ll be well aware that Kaprizov is the difference-maker in this team. He’s integral to the Wild’s long-term plans and has been a shining light once again this season. As we said, it’s too early to be talking about sure things in the MVP awards. But, Kaprizov is the early favorite.
Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
The Oilers’ captain and three-time MVP shows no signs of slowing down this season, even if his stats are slightly down on previous seasons. He should pick up the pace as the Oilers manoeuver into the Playoff hunt. It’s almost boring to cite him as the best in the league, but we all know his quality.
Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks)
One of two standout rookies this season (the other is also on this list), the No.1 overall draft pick has hit the ground running for the Sharks. Elite offense and a strong two-way game, Celebrini already looks at home in the big leagues.
Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
The current points leader, MacKinnon has always been known for his work ethic and consistency. He remains the cornerstone of the Avalanche’s offense, and he’s a key reason why Colorado remains in the Playoff hunt.
Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
The best goaltender in the NHL? Probably in its current form. Hellebuyck is the current favorite – by a considerable margin – for the Vezina Trophy. His composure in guarding the Jets’ (often busy) goal is remarkable.
Filip Gustavsson (Minnesota Wild)
In our view, Gustavsson is the only goaltender who can challenge Hellebuyck for the Vezina Trophy. Perhaps Anthony Stolarz or Juuse Saros can get a little closer to the pair as the season progresses, but thus far Gustavsson and Hellebuyck have been miles ahead.
Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
A vital cog in the Oilers’ power play, Draisaitl has continued to be one of the best scorers in the league. He has an outside chance for the MVP award, but he’ll be concentrating on being the main man in offense for the Oilers.
Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers)
The most exciting young player in global ice hockey? Possibly. Michkov has taken to life in the NHL like a duck to water, wowing Flyers fans with his creativity and offensive prowess. He arguably just nudges past Celebrini in the race for NHL Rookie of the Year.
Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers)
There’s a lot of love for Reinhart from Panthers fans. He is one of the most intelligent players in the league, able to switch between the center and wing as needed. The Panthers are definitely in the mix again this season, and Reinhart’s performances have been key to that.
Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning)
We toyed with putting Auston Matthews or Mikko Rantanen as the final name on this list, both of whom deserve mention. Yet, we have plumped instead for Tampa Bay’s clutch player, who might challenge for the Rocket Richard Trophy come the end of the season. Point has been brilliant for close to a decade, and he has shown no signs of slowing down this season.
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