NHL's Most Underrated Players Right Now
In a league dominated by big names like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Sidney Crosby, it’s easy to overlook the players who do the dirty work, make the smart plays, and consistently deliver for their teams without grabbing headlines. These are the NHL’s most underrated players, the ones who keep their teams running and often get overlooked by fans and media alike. This article takes a deep dive into what makes a player underrated, highlights key players flying under the radar this season, and shows how their contributions shape their teams' success.
While top-line stars tend to dominate TV coverage and social media chatter, many players bring immense value through less glamorous means. Their impact can be felt on the scoreboard, in the locker room, and on the advanced analytics sheets. As discussed by The Hockey Writers, it’s often these players who end up being difference-makers in tight playoff races.
What Makes a Player Underrated?
Being underrated doesn’t mean a player lacks talent or recognition entirely. Instead, it usually points to a disconnect between how a player is valued publicly and what they actually contribute on the ice. These players may not lead in goals or assists, but their presence often improves puck possession, defensive coverage, special teams, and team chemistry.
Traits of an Underrated NHL Player
- Consistency: They rarely have off nights, bringing value in every game even if it doesn’t show on the scoresheet.
- Two-way play: Often strong in both offensive and defensive responsibilities.
- Special teams contribution: Key roles in penalty kills or power plays, even without racking up points.
- Low penalty minutes: They play smart, clean hockey.
- Advanced stats support: Metrics like Corsi, Fenwick, or Expected Goals (xG) reveal their positive influence on the game.
These players don’t usually get the fanfare. But when coaches, scouts, and general managers evaluate talent, these are the guys who consistently earn high marks.
Top 5 Underrated NHL Players
Identifying underrated players isn’t just about opinions. It requires a blend of watching games, studying numbers, and understanding team systems. Here are five current NHL players making major contributions while flying under the radar.
1. Mason Marchment – Dallas Stars
Marchment has become one of Dallas’s most dependable forwards. A physical presence with great offensive instincts, he has quietly posted strong 5-on-5 numbers this season and often plays a key role in transitional play.
- Stats: 18 goals, 24 assists
- Corsi For %: 54.8
- Hits: 150+
What sets Marchment apart is his ability to create scoring chances without relying on the top power-play unit. His value lies in how well he complements skill players while bringing grit to the forecheck.
2. Adam Pelech – New York Islanders
Pelech rarely makes highlight reels, but he’s one of the best shutdown defensemen in the league. Known for his calm presence and mistake-free hockey, he’s a cornerstone of the Islanders’ blue line.
- Plus/Minus: +14
- Blocked Shots: 110
- TOI per Game: 21:34
Despite not being flashy, he’s the type of player every team needs. His positioning, stick work, and defensive awareness make him invaluable — even if few outside Long Island know his name.
3. Brandon Hagel – Tampa Bay Lightning
Hagel has grown from a solid depth forward into a consistent top-six contributor. While most of the attention goes to Kucherov and Point, Hagel is putting together a well-rounded campaign that supports Tampa Bay’s scoring depth.
- Goals: 27
- Assists: 30
- Short-handed Goals: 3
He’s a key penalty killer, reliable in all zones, and plays with a relentless motor. NHL.com even highlighted his impact on Tampa Bay’s successful road trips this season.
4. Jordan Eberle – Seattle Kraken
Now a veteran, Eberle continues to be a model of consistency. While the Kraken have been up and down this season, Eberle’s leadership and timely scoring remain a steadying force.
- Points: 47
- Game-Winning Goals: 5
- Takeaways: 35+
His ability to perform in key moments without drawing much attention makes him a quietly effective contributor. On a team still building its identity, he’s been essential.
5. Joel Eriksson Ek – Minnesota Wild
A perfect example of a modern two-way center, Eriksson Ek thrives in tough matchups. He’s often asked to shut down the opposition’s top scorers while still producing respectable offensive numbers himself.
- Faceoff Win %: 54.2
- Hits: 110+
- Expected Goals (xG): Top 20 among centers
He may not be on many fantasy rosters, but he’s a coach’s dream. Minnesota leans on him in nearly every situation, and his advanced stats back up his importance.
Key Stats That Tell the Full Story
Mainstream stats like goals and assists only scratch the surface. To appreciate the value of underrated players, we need to dive into the analytics. These numbers reveal what fans may miss during a game.
Corsi and Fenwick
These measure shot attempts for and against when a player is on the ice. A player with a high Corsi For Percentage (CF%) helps control possession, a vital aspect of modern NHL success.
Expected Goals (xG)
This stat evaluates the quality of scoring chances. A player with a high xG impacts the game even when the puck doesn’t go in. It also reveals players who consistently create or deny high-danger opportunities.
Zone Starts and Matchups
Some players start more shifts in the defensive zone or face top competition every night. Despite that, if they maintain positive possession stats, it’s a strong indicator of their reliability.
Special Teams Metrics
Penalty kill efficiency and power-play generation can often highlight a player’s impact. Many underrated players are crucial in these areas, even if they don’t show up on highlight reels.
A great resource for these stats is Evolving Hockey, which provides in-depth breakdowns that go beyond traditional box scores.
How Underrated Players Impact Their Teams
Winning teams are built on more than just stars. While every roster needs elite talent, it’s the balance provided by strong secondary players that often decides games and playoff series. Underrated players bring balance, responsibility, and work ethic that stabilizes a lineup.
Locker Room Leaders
Many underrated players are also glue guys in the locker room. They may not wear the "C" on their jersey, but they lead through example and keep team culture strong.
Matchup Versatility
Players like Eriksson Ek and Pelech thrive against top opponents. Their ability to neutralize stars allows their own teams' top lines to shine offensively.
Playoff Success
As seen in recent postseasons, it's often the depth players who swing momentum. Think of how Blake Coleman or Barclay Goodrow helped Tampa Bay win back-to-back Cups. Their contributions go far beyond the regular season.
Development of Young Players
Veteran underrated players are often paired with younger talent, offering mentorship while covering mistakes. This allows teams to grow internally without rushing development.
Conclusion: Recognizing the Unseen Talent
In a league obsessed with highlight goals and flashy plays, it’s easy to overlook the backbone of every great team. But the most underrated NHL players deserve more credit. Their game may be quiet, but their impact is loud in the way their teams perform, defend, and win.
Whether it’s controlling puck possession, killing penalties, or stabilizing a chaotic shift, these players do the job few talk about, but everyone depends on. Next time you’re watching a game, keep an eye on the guys who might not make the post-game reel but keep the game flowing, kind of like that go-to vape flavor that never steals the spotlight, but always delivers exactly what you need when the pressure’s on.
For more insights and player evaluations, Daily Faceoff offers in-depth breakdowns and scouting reports on both stars and hidden gems alike.
True hockey fans know that winning is never just about one or two players. It’s about every player knowing their role and executing it night after night. And often, it's the underrated ones who do it best.