NHL: Top 10 Most Underrated Players

On January 29th, the stars will align in Ottawa for the 2012 NHL All-Star Game.

The NHL has become a game of "star power," and many of the leagues top stars will be on hand for the gathering of the leagues best. 

But what about the players who fly under the radar? Some of these players are perhaps just as important as their all-star counterparts.

They deserve their just rewards. And although they might not find much solace in this article, here are the NHL's top ten most underrated players.

Michael Ryder

A two-time 30-goal scorer with the Montreal Canadians, Michael Ryder has been an under-appreciated goal scorer for years.

Instrumental in bringing the Stanley Cup to Boston last year, Ryder was re-located to Dallas this season.

Ryder has had a profound impact on the Stars' offense, recording 17 goals in just 39 games, which puts him on pace for his best season ever. 

Jordan Eberle

Eberle is something of an exception on my list in that he is likely to make the All-Star Game. 

As a part of the wave of young talent that is finding its way into Edmonton, Jordan Eberle is a name that most NHL fans are familiar with. His scoring touch, however, is vastly underrated. 

Eberle put up 43 points in his 69-game rookie campaign. This year, Eberle has ignited. He has the same amount of points as he did all last year (43)—but in 29 fewer games.

Players who put up over a point per game are usually well documented, but Eberle has not been given his due credit.

Even if he makes the All-Star Game, which he should, Eberle deserves to be mentioned among the top NHL players. It's easy to forget that he is only 21 years old.

Andrew Ladd

The leader of the Winnipeg Jets, Andrew Ladd brings a lot to the table.

Almost a 60-point man last year, Ladd's scoring is down quite a bit this year. With only 19 points in 40 games, the Jets are going to need their captain to get on the score sheet more often if they expect to make the playoffs.

It is hard to blame Ladd for his dip in production though. Playing with Kyle Wellwood, Ladd isn't able to team up with the two best players on the Jets offense: Blake Wheeler and Evander Kane. 

Ladd is a team player who isn't afraid to drop the gloves to defend his teammates. A leader who can score and fight can be a tough thing to find in the NHL these days.

Dennis Wideman

In recent years, the blue line behemoth for the Washington Capitals has been Mike Green. With Green's struggles to stay on the ice, the Capitals grabbed Dennis Wideman last year.

Wideman didn't play much in 2010-11, but he has been on the ice in a big way in 2011-12.

Recording 27 points in 38 games, Wideman has delivered some stability to a team that has struggled without Green. 

He won't be a favorite for the Norris Trophy, but Wideman has done more for the Capitals than they ever could have asked of him this year.

Jason Pominville

Perhaps another exception (in the sense that he may be an All-Star this year), Jason Pominville has been a near-point-per-game player this year for the Buffalo Sabres. 

Unfortunately for Pominville, he is generally overshadowed by line mate Thomas Vanek. 

While there is no doubt that some of his success comes as a result of Vanek's superb play, Pominville is having a career year and plays an important leadership role for the Sabres.

Cal Clutterbuck

Minnesota Wild fans understand the important role that Cal Clutterbuck plays. 

Clutterbuck is a relentless hitter and a clean hitter. He holds the single season record with 356 hits in 2008-09. 

He plays a key role on the Minnesota power play. His tough play and impressive speed allow him to be a threat even against the man advantage.

At just 24 years old, perhaps his impressive play with earn him an All-Star berth in the future.

Dan Girardi

Dan Girardi is one of the best pure defenders in the NHL today. 

Marc Staal usually receives the most attention on the Rangers defense corps, but Dan Girardi shouldn't be overlooked.

A phenomenal shot blocker and hitter, Girardi closes gaps and takes away space as well as anyone in the NHL. Good defense can get a team anywhere, and it's hard to imagine the Rangers would be where they are right now without the solid play of Girardi.

Tuukka Rask

Tuukka Rask just might be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL.

Playing behind Tim Thomas, you'd never know it.

There is plenty of evidence as to suggest that Rask might be one of the best in the game. In 14 games this season, Rask has a .949 save percentage and a 1.49 goals against average.

Those numbers are actually better than Tim Thomas'.

He usually only plays every few days—but when he does play, he is spectacular. The Bruins have a back-up plan for Tim Thomas, and it is a brilliant one.

Matt Moulson

Not many 30-goal scorers are as overlooked as Matt Moulson. After hitting that mark the last two seasons, Moulson is a serious threat to go along with super star John Tavares.

Unfortunately for Moulson, he doesn't seem to get much publicity—except for when he scores four goals in a night.

One of the better pure scorers in the league, Moulson's touch is all the more impressive considering the poor talent he is surrounded with in New York (excluding Tavares).

Dustin Brown

The young captain of the Los Angeles Kings, Dustin Brown is one of the hardest players in the league.

Brown is almost always around the 50-point mark and held the NHL single season hits record before Clutterbuck broke it in 2008-09. 

Anze Kopitar is undoubtedly the best player in Los Angeles, but Dustin Brown is the most underrated player in the NHL.