Top 5 NHL players who deserve more recognition for their contributions ft. Kevin Fiala

The NHL is loaded with generational talent that drives the league’s recognition around the world. Players like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews capture the headlines day in and day out. Other players like Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby are firmly on their way to the Hall of Fame.

However, some players fly under the radar as they don’t get as much recognition as they should from the fans and media. So, let’s take a look at five NHL players who deserve far more credit than they get.

Top 5 NHL players who deserve recognition for their contributions

#5: Jake Walman

Jake Walman was a mainstay on the Detroit Red Wings blue line for two seasons, making a name for himself as one of their top four defensemen. While he doesn’t put up eye-popping offensive numbers, he was a good complement to a high-end talent defenseman like Moritz Seider.

This offseason, the Wings traded Walman to the San Jose Sharks. The trade was more out of necessity than a desire to get rid of Walman. The Sharks felt he was worth bringing in to anchor a relatively inexperienced defense corps.

Overall, Walman slots in on the Sharks’ second pairing, giving the club the reliable defensive defenseman they have sorely needed.

#4: Semyon Varlamov

In a league with world-class goaltenders like Ilya Sorokin, Igor Shesterkin, and Sergei Bobrovsky, it can be hard to miss a netminder like Semyon Varlamov. Varlamov has quietly cemented himself as a reliable backup to Sorokin.

While Varlamov could be a starter on several NHL teams, he backed up former Vezina finalist Sorokin on Long Island. In 27 starts, Varlamov registered a 14-8-4 mark to go with a 2.60 GAA and a .918 SV%. His three shutouts helped the Islanders rebound to make the playoffs.

Varlamov tends to be underappreciated as he plays in Sorokin’s shadows. But it’s been Varlamov who allowed the Islanders to remain in the playoff conversation despite Sorokin’s inconsistency last season.

#3: Ryan Graves

The Pittsburgh Penguins have one of the league’s best defensemen in Erik Karlsson. Because of that, many overlook the work that Ryan Graves does on the team. Graves is a steady defensive NHL defenseman who uses his size and strength to keep the front of the net clear.

Graves has become a reliable defensive partner to Kris Letang, allowing Letang to do his magic on the ice. Blue liners like Graves often get overlooked, especially when they play in the shadow of much more notorious teammates. But it’s defensemen like Graves who allow offensively skilled players like Letang to truly impact on the ice.

#2: Carter Verhaeghe

Verhaeghe was a key part of the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup championship this past season. His emergence in the playoffs was an extension of his performance during the regular season. Verhaeghe notched 21 points in 24 games this past postseason, often playing the role of hero.

However, on a team with players such as Sasha Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, Verhaeghe is often underappreciated. Perhaps this upcoming season will allow Florida fans and media to appreciate what Verhaeghe brings to the ice truly.

#1: Kevin Fiala

The Los Angeles Kings have one of the most underrated players in the NHL in Kevin Fiala. Over the past three seasons, Fiala has consistently produced, providing the Kings with the offense they’ve needed to contend in the Western Conference.

Last season, Fiala notched 29 goals and 73 points in all 82 games. Beyond the numbers, he’s a smart playmaker who excels in transition play. He’s faster than most skaters, allowing him to get past defenders, especially when caught in the neutral zone.

Fiala will hopefully get the recognition he deserves as the Kings’ most talented offensive player this upcoming season.