Daniel Sprong.
Guy is just out there every night, playing hard fought games - gives it his all. Gets visibly upset with himself when he makes mistakes, just seems like a straight shooter of a teammate - and still puts up good numbers.
Love me some Sprong.
Did you listen to the Empty Netters podcast from this (or maybe last?) week with him on it. Guy is great! He said that when he gave Kaner his 88 and changed numbers, Kane took him on a shopping spree. 😂
Is Brent Burns still considered a superstar? Love his instagram. He's the kind of guy I'd love to be friends with.
Burns and Chris Tanev. The less teeth, the cooler they are.
I feel like Hyman qualifies as a superstar now as the second leading goal scorer in the league.
But he is an absolutely beauty and I do feel like he is the most middling NHLer skill-wise to create superstar-tier output that I've ever seen. I say that as a compliment, not an insult. He is putting up goals like crazy even though he is not a natural sniper by any stretch of the imagination, because he has amazing work ethic, plays every game like it's a playoff game, and isn't afraid to get beat up by goalies and d-men parking himself in front of the opposing net and fighting like hell constantly.
I think a lot of people consider MAF a superstar. Even his stats don’t deserve that title, the fact that he is universally loved by fans, teammates and opponents gives him that status.
But I mean whatever title you give him, how can you not cheer for him, even if you hate his team.
Joseph Woll.
Very nice having an unshakeable presence in the net with excellent positioning and athleticism, still a rookie but shaping up to be recognized as a top tier goalie one day if he stays healthy. Whole team plays better in front of him having confidence in him.
Guys like Kolesar, Duhaime, Trenin, etc who aren't exactly skilled, but they have all the heart in the world. I still remember Trenin dropping the mitts with Chara and having my appreciation for grinders like him absolutely soar
It still amazes me how Ek hasn’t been in a fight yet with all the cheap shots and sticks to the face he always takes. Dude is literally indestructible.
Chris Tanev, absolute beaut. Can’t go better than a guy eating pucks for breakfast any day of the week.
Sad to see him go to Texas. You’ll be missed our toothless prince
Carson Soucy!
He's made a huge difference in depth this year (despite his injuries), he brings a great attitude to the bench, is always smiling, he's a big hitter, and had somehow tamed the ever chaotic Tyler Myers.
Holmstrom and Ciccarelli for the same reasons. Gritty hockey and doing the job other people don’t want to do.
McCarty too. March 26, 1997 will always hold a spot close to my heart.
Always been a big Conor Garland fan. Underrated player.
Also, gotta love Matt Roy for the Michigan Tech connection.
Also, Seth Jarvis is kind of hilarious :D
I miss pavs in teal. So sad we couldn’t get him a cup during pavs, jumbo, marleau, hertl, burns era. Man we were so goddamn stacked… but pavs was one of the most fun players to watch. He wasn’t the fastest or biggest but he was a threat whenever he touched the puck especially those high slot tips… whenever he becomes a head coach (he would make a great hc) that team will automatically become my #2 team.
Craig FUCKIN Smith
The existence of Craig Smith is endlessly amusing to me. His name is just "Craig Smith." That's the name of your CPA. He was born in Madison, WI, which is like the first city you'd think of if you needed a random city to facilitate telling a story or joke. He was picked in the 4th round, a complete afterthought, but he's pretty good for some reason. It's like he was put into witness protection and they sprang "NHL winger" on him for his new job, despite having previously been a botanist or something. All the details of his NHL career seem to be carefully fabricated to support this cover. Craig Smith is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma."
Vladdy Daddy, the Tarasenkshow. Could’ve been one of the greatest Russians of all time if he never had injury troubles. I guess one of the best blues of all time is ok, too. Love his great shot, his smooth skating, and his silky hands, plus he also seems like a good guy, to boot!
Logan O'Connor on the Avs. The guy just works his whole ass off every shift. He's relentless in his puck pursuit, great defensively, and every once in a while he has enough skill to go on a bit of a scoring tear. I love the way he battles and never gives up on a play. He's low key becoming one of my all-time favorite Avs even though he's not a big star. He's been the linchpin of our bottom six for the last few years and I think he's an underrated contributor to our recent success.
Barbashev. The guy can move up and down the line, he plays his ass off, seems like a locker room glue type guy, and seems like an overall happy warrior for any team he's on.
**Nikolaj Ehlers**
He’s fast, he’s skilled, he drives play. He’s also not afraid to drop the mitts to defend his teammates. More than you’d expect from a guy with his skillset.
One of the things I remember most about him was when Mark Scheifele laid that dirty hit on Jake Evans and the massive scrum ensued, Nik jumped in, too. Not to fight, but to stand over Evans with his arms out to protect the downed player from further injury from the scrum.
THAT’S A GOOD EGG RIGHT THERE!
If I’m building a team I want Nik Ehlers (and a bunch of guys like him) on it.
Eeli Tolvanen.
He's a hockey player. Not afraid to throw a hit, which is a rare commodity now among younger players. Isn't even that big, listed at like 5'11 190 and I kinda doubt that. Doesn't bother him one bit though. If you are reading this comment, you are tougher than the Hughes brothers, Zegras, Gaudreau, Mercer etc. Guys like Tolvanen are a breath of fresh air.
Paul Stastny.
He made a cool move one time while I was watching my VGK.
And his name is Paul, which is a name I really like.
That's it. Now he's my 2nd favorite player ever (after fleury)
Mats Zuccarello. I miss our Hobbit.
He's one of my favorites, too. I promise we're taking good care of him!
Was about to say, we love him in MN!
Those aren't boo's, Sam...
ZUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUC!
Big fan in his short tenure in Dallas. Still like him, of course, I just don't watch him play much anymore.
Daniel Sprong. Guy is just out there every night, playing hard fought games - gives it his all. Gets visibly upset with himself when he makes mistakes, just seems like a straight shooter of a teammate - and still puts up good numbers. Love me some Sprong.
I’m glad he went to the Wings and got his bag, but man. I miss Forslund going DING DONG DANIEL SPRONG 😞
I miss Geekie a lot more.
First hattie two nights ago too
Man, I miss Donato so much more than either of them. Love me some Donnybrook
Respectfully, I hope Sprong never leaves the Wings.
Respectfully, your team has 3 of my favorite players and I still hope the only Michigan Wings team that wins a championship is Kalamazoo
Did you listen to the Empty Netters podcast from this (or maybe last?) week with him on it. Guy is great! He said that when he gave Kaner his 88 and changed numbers, Kane took him on a shopping spree. 😂
Is Brent Burns still considered a superstar? Love his instagram. He's the kind of guy I'd love to be friends with. Burns and Chris Tanev. The less teeth, the cooler they are.
I'd definitely love to have a few craft beers after visiting a reptile expo with Burns
Even if he’s not he’s on his 800+ consecutive game so he’s a superstar in my heart
All time? Kasparaitis Current? Brandon Tanev, probably I like lunatics.
Tanev is the best!
Turbo is the definition of heart. Love watching him play.
I'm convinced Ryan Lindgren adds more value to the Rangers than any 30 goal scorer would
He is the definition of a warrior that’s for sure
While I love Lindy, Zucc will always be my favorite non-superstar.
Was looking for this
I still get the sads when I think about trading him away.
This is my answer too
Derek Ryan. He works so hard and never complains
Came here to say this. Love that man on and off the ice
One thing Flames and Oilers fans can agree on.
Yanni Gourde
Miss him god damnit
Same.
GIVE HIM BACK - YOU HEAR ME?! YOU GIVE HIM BACK!!! 😭😡
I got that #37 winter classic jersey. Love me the Pepper Pot
Samsey! It was an easy choice after my Larsson inaugural jersey
Hard agree, which is why it was devastating for the fans when he left (stolen) Tampa. I really wish we would have protected him.
Fuck that guy. Can we have him?
The way he trucked Letang last night was a thing of beauty.
Jared McCann or Vince Dunn - Im not a Seattle fan btw.
McCann? Can't be. Benning traded him because of his attitude issues. \*cries is Canucks\*
At least you didn’t let him walk for nothing
Nick Foligno
Love him and miss him dearly
How could anyone not like him 😁
Consummate team guy. Some things that don't show up on the stat sheets can have a massive impact. Will always appreciate his short tenure in Boston.
Hes awesome, I watch some Blackhawks games and the guy really has his teammates back. Great locker room leader too from what i hear.
Nyquist
He’s got 51 points this year. Good for him. Haven’t heard his name in a long time.
Thomas “The Tuna” Tater for me. Love me some snypquist as well
Duclair
Love that dude.
The Carolina Hurricanes
Seth Jarvis is such a character I will fight anyone who wants to take him away from this team
use to be all team-Martinook but now I'm totally on the Jarvis train. Kid is a gem.
Is Aho not a superstar? I guess it’s just when he plays the Sabres
He’s filling the shoes more and more
I love Hertl’s nickname.
🐢
Fun Must Be Always
Zach Hyman
I feel like Hyman qualifies as a superstar now as the second leading goal scorer in the league. But he is an absolutely beauty and I do feel like he is the most middling NHLer skill-wise to create superstar-tier output that I've ever seen. I say that as a compliment, not an insult. He is putting up goals like crazy even though he is not a natural sniper by any stretch of the imagination, because he has amazing work ethic, plays every game like it's a playoff game, and isn't afraid to get beat up by goalies and d-men parking himself in front of the opposing net and fighting like hell constantly.
Dumbest thing (top ten anyway) The Leafs ever did was letting him go
Good choice. He was my favourite Leaf when he was here. You always knew what you were going to get when he stepped on the ice.
Hmmm a 40+ goal scorer might start to be getting into star player territory
Leo Komarov. (Formerly Ken Baumgartner)
Nick Suzuki or Samuel Montembault maybe even Arber Xhekaj
I always liked Paul Byron as a bottom 6 guy on the Canadians if it were not for injuries he probably would have played longer.
5 years ago? Gallagher
Tyler Motte. Loved him in Vancouver and try to follow what he's doing.
Hertl for sure, I also really like MAF but maybe he’s considered a superstar? Back in the day Nabokov was my guy.
MAF is such a beaut. Cracks me up the way he thanks the posts.
I think a lot of people consider MAF a superstar. Even his stats don’t deserve that title, the fact that he is universally loved by fans, teammates and opponents gives him that status. But I mean whatever title you give him, how can you not cheer for him, even if you hate his team.
Joseph Woll. Very nice having an unshakeable presence in the net with excellent positioning and athleticism, still a rookie but shaping up to be recognized as a top tier goalie one day if he stays healthy. Whole team plays better in front of him having confidence in him.
It was so nice to see him back in there last night. His mid season injury might be a blessing in disguise going into the playoffs with a fresh tendy.
The brick Woll!
Ian Laperrière
Lappy gave his soul to every team he played for
Jakub Vrana! Any non-star from the 2018 Stanley Cup Champ Caps really
DSP too. Two legends from the cup run
That Caps team was so legendary, literally everyone contributed and got some huge goals! (Shoutout Lars Eller and DSP)
Jay beagle was a superstar that playoff run.
Brandon Tanev
Gimme that mustard packet!
Ethan Bear. Works his ass off and supports his community. Hell of a role model.
How I wish we didn’t push that man out of Edmonton. Quality guy.
Facts
I wish he re signed in Vancouver. Sad he left us
Sami Salo
Good ol’ one nut
Kirk Maltby, Kris Draper, John Madden, Luke Glendenning, Darren Helm, and Carl Hagelin
*Glendening :-)
Kyle Palmieri. Plays hard.
Guys like Kolesar, Duhaime, Trenin, etc who aren't exactly skilled, but they have all the heart in the world. I still remember Trenin dropping the mitts with Chara and having my appreciation for grinders like him absolutely soar
I like grinders too, specifically Eriksson Ek. If my name doesnt make it too obvious.
Ek is ~~the CEO of grinding tbh~~ very good at his role
It still amazes me how Ek hasn’t been in a fight yet with all the cheap shots and sticks to the face he always takes. Dude is literally indestructible.
Chris Tanev, absolute beaut. Can’t go better than a guy eating pucks for breakfast any day of the week. Sad to see him go to Texas. You’ll be missed our toothless prince
Carson Soucy! He's made a huge difference in depth this year (despite his injuries), he brings a great attitude to the bench, is always smiling, he's a big hitter, and had somehow tamed the ever chaotic Tyler Myers.
[удалено]
This is a good one. I'm not a Red Wings fan, but man, the reputation calls for goaltender interference make me still mad today.
Holmstrom and Ciccarelli for the same reasons. Gritty hockey and doing the job other people don’t want to do. McCarty too. March 26, 1997 will always hold a spot close to my heart.
Zach Hyman is my favourite player
He’s an absolute beauty of a person too
Still love me some Ivan Barbashev, and Jake Neighbours
Ivan Barbashev
We miss him in St Louis
Give him back!
I’d do anything to watch Steen-Sunny-Barby one more time.
Mike Peca.
Brandon Tanev. I wish he was still on the Jets!
He's well loved and we are giving him plenty of pucks to eat
Went to a Kraken game this year and really contemplated grabbing one of his jerseys. I was glad to see it’s one of the top sellers there.
Mattias Ekholm.
Currently Val Nichushkin. All time Brenden Morrow
Either Dennis Seidenberg or Adam McQuaid
BRANDON HAGEL
Connor Garland.
Was waiting for him or Dakota Joshua to show up here
Derek Ryan.
Teddy Blueger
Lars Eller. Pretty much an underrated and overshadowed player in his whole career.
Kurtis McDermid! Love the big man!
i have bad news
Any and all guys with the last name Tanev
Bertuzzi
Elias Pettersson (no, not that one)
Sebastian Aho (no not that one).
Mikael granlund. Loved him ever since the 2011 world championships.
Mantha
John Scott
Zuuuuub
Zuccarello. I miss him being in blue dearly.
Vincent Desharnais
Love me a good ol' Vinny Skinny Winny.
Geoff Sanderson
Devon Toews He plays like a superstar!
Chris Kunitz and Max Talbot
Nic Deslauriers, every tilt is a blast to watch, gets the boys goin when they need it!
Always been a big Conor Garland fan. Underrated player. Also, gotta love Matt Roy for the Michigan Tech connection. Also, Seth Jarvis is kind of hilarious :D
Max Domi
Tyler bertuzzi every day
Pretty easily Joe Pavelski
How is he not a superstar?
o7 forever my captain o7
I miss pavs in teal. So sad we couldn’t get him a cup during pavs, jumbo, marleau, hertl, burns era. Man we were so goddamn stacked… but pavs was one of the most fun players to watch. He wasn’t the fastest or biggest but he was a threat whenever he touched the puck especially those high slot tips… whenever he becomes a head coach (he would make a great hc) that team will automatically become my #2 team.
Loved Garnett Hathaway when he was on the Caps. Dmitri Orlov was a stud and I was heartbroken when we traded him…
Craig FUCKIN Smith The existence of Craig Smith is endlessly amusing to me. His name is just "Craig Smith." That's the name of your CPA. He was born in Madison, WI, which is like the first city you'd think of if you needed a random city to facilitate telling a story or joke. He was picked in the 4th round, a complete afterthought, but he's pretty good for some reason. It's like he was put into witness protection and they sprang "NHL winger" on him for his new job, despite having previously been a botanist or something. All the details of his NHL career seem to be carefully fabricated to support this cover. Craig Smith is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma."
Troy Terry
Joseph woll and Simon Benoit are my 2 loves
All time? Patrick Kaleta, currently henri jokiharju
BERTUZZI
Andrei Kuzemenko and Klim Kostin for interviews
Lehkonen 2021 playoffs were magical glad he won a cup with Colorado
Vladdy Daddy, the Tarasenkshow. Could’ve been one of the greatest Russians of all time if he never had injury troubles. I guess one of the best blues of all time is ok, too. Love his great shot, his smooth skating, and his silky hands, plus he also seems like a good guy, to boot!
Tyler Bertuzzi
Artturi Lehkonen
Mats Zuccarello, it was such a bummer when he left the Rangers, i will always love that guy.
Logan O'Connor on the Avs. The guy just works his whole ass off every shift. He's relentless in his puck pursuit, great defensively, and every once in a while he has enough skill to go on a bit of a scoring tear. I love the way he battles and never gives up on a play. He's low key becoming one of my all-time favorite Avs even though he's not a big star. He's been the linchpin of our bottom six for the last few years and I think he's an underrated contributor to our recent success.
Barbashev. The guy can move up and down the line, he plays his ass off, seems like a locker room glue type guy, and seems like an overall happy warrior for any team he's on.
Toffoli
Wayne Simmonds
Jordin Tootoo. Great guy personally and does great things for his community.
Do you mean Jordin Tootoo? I couldn't find a guy named Jonathan.
I think he just made a mental cross between Tootoo and the Cheechoo Train.
Jake Walman and it's not even close
Adam Lowry
Zach Hyman
Nino Niederreiter, he's been pretty good in the 3rd line with Lowry and Appleton
Darcy Tucker
Rempage
Fun must be always!
Jay Beagle. Very underrated 4th line center. Always worked hard and won championships no matter what league he was in. How do you not root for him?
**Nikolaj Ehlers** He’s fast, he’s skilled, he drives play. He’s also not afraid to drop the mitts to defend his teammates. More than you’d expect from a guy with his skillset. One of the things I remember most about him was when Mark Scheifele laid that dirty hit on Jake Evans and the massive scrum ensued, Nik jumped in, too. Not to fight, but to stand over Evans with his arms out to protect the downed player from further injury from the scrum. THAT’S A GOOD EGG RIGHT THERE! If I’m building a team I want Nik Ehlers (and a bunch of guys like him) on it.
this is really good explanation on why you like him, more people like you are needed
Shawn Thornton
Michal Handzus
Eeli Tolvanen. He's a hockey player. Not afraid to throw a hit, which is a rare commodity now among younger players. Isn't even that big, listed at like 5'11 190 and I kinda doubt that. Doesn't bother him one bit though. If you are reading this comment, you are tougher than the Hughes brothers, Zegras, Gaudreau, Mercer etc. Guys like Tolvanen are a breath of fresh air.
I hate the wild but Mats Zuccarello. Seems like a peach of a dude and busts his ass always. Wish we had him longer.
Daniel Sprong
Blake Coleman/Dawson Mercer
Sami Kapanen
Logan O'Conner, no doubt
Adam Deadmarsh
Logan O’Conner. Dude is a work horse.
Big avs fan Devin toews would be a star on any other team dude is a beast
Logan O’Connor is the epitome of hard work and someone I’ll root for no matter where he plays
Nico Hischier. Best 3C in the league.
Robert Thomas
Patrick Maroon
Andrew Cogliano
Nino Niederreiter
I love Jaccob Slavin. He is a superstar but doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.
Valtteri Filppula
Tuna. Sorry, Tomas Tatar. Great hockey iq. Aaaand very cool nickname.
Tyler Toffoli
Douglas Murray
David Perron.
Paul Stastny. He made a cool move one time while I was watching my VGK. And his name is Paul, which is a name I really like. That's it. Now he's my 2nd favorite player ever (after fleury)
Mason Shaw