NHL Lockout 2012: 6 Stars Hurt Most by Lost Games

The NHL lockout of 2012 has cancelled games in both the preseason and the first few weeks of the regular season.

Talks have been ongoing, with meetings in both New York City and Toronto, however, no progress has been made.

With no end to the lockout in sight, more games are sure to be cancelled while fans wait in the dark for a solution.

Players are also being hurt by the lockout. While many are going overseas to play in international leagues, it still hurts their careers to not be able to play in the NHL where they have established their careers.

Here are six top players who are hurting the most by not being able to play in the NHL and how the lockout affects their future play.

Rick Nash

Rick Nash had been the face of the Columbus Blue Jackets since being drafted in 2002.

However, while he has had personal success posting big numbers and being one the NHL's star players, he hasn't enjoyed as much success as others due to playing for a fairly non-competitive team.

His tenure in Columbus ended in 2012, when he was traded to the New York Rangers in a blockbuster deal that many saw as the final piece the Rangers needed to make a deep run for the Stanley Cup.

Many saw this as exactly what Nash needed to resurge his career, however, the lockout does him no favors.

It goes without question that Nash would like to play with the Rangers in hopes of helping the team reach the playoffs and make a run for the Cup.  With teammates such as Marian Gaborik, Henrick Lundquvist and Ryan Callahan, many expect him to enjoy success with the Rangers.

During the lockout, Nash signed a contract with HC Davos, where he will keep his skates sharpened.

However, it's the NHL where he needs to be to play competitive hockey and where he's playing with a goal, and that's winning the Stanley Cup.

In order for Nash to mesh with the Rangers and establish chemistry so he can be successful, he needs to get back on an NHL rink.

Zach Parise

Zach Parise signed a blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Wild in the 2012 offeason.

Signing on for 13 years and $98 Million, Parise got the big deal he was looking for after playing with the New Jersey Devils since signing his first professional contract in 2004.

He produced well for the Devils, especially in 2008-09, when he tallied 45 goals and 49 assists. The Devils also reached the postseason every year since he has been on the roster with the only exception being 2010-11, when Parise missed the majority of the season due to injury.

It's no secret the value and leadership Parise brings to an organization, which is something that the Minnesota Wild need.

Missing the playoffs four years in a row and losing out on Marion Gaborik a few years ago in free agency, the Wild needed a boost, and Parise seems to be the answer.

In all, both the Wild and Parise need the lockout to be over and if it doesn't end soon, it could be detrimental to both as Parise needs to validate the huge contract he signed and help bring the Wild to the promised land.

Martin Brodeur

Arguably one of the best goaltenders to ever grace an NHL rink, Martin Brodeur is getting older.

His numbers have been consistent, and he proved last season that he's still a valuable asset to the New Jersey Devils when he comes up with huge saves in the clutch.

Signing a new two-year deal this past offseason, Brodeur still intends to play even though he reached 40 years of age in May.

For a guy like Brodeur, consistent play is key to keeping sharp, and with the lockout in place, time missed is time gone from his career.

When and if the lockout ends and the 2012-13 is saved, Brodeur may have dodged a bullet. However, if the league cancels the remainder of the season, it could mean the end for Martin Brodeur, something he doesn't want to happen.

The Devils may look to go younger if the lockout ends the season, so it's in Brodeur's best interest that the league and players' union work out a deal.

Marian Gaborik

Marian Gaborik's time with the Rangers has been an experience. Signing a five-year deal in 2009 with the Rangers, he was the hottest free agent that offseason.

He's played well for the Rangers, scoring more than 40 goals each season he's been healthy. However, the 2010-11 season saw Gaborik plagued by injuries that restricted him to 62 games and only tallying 22 goals.

Gaborik returned to form in 2011-12, which saw him net 41 goals and 35 assists. However, three years are in the books for him and Gaborik is surely looking to capitalize on his remarkable play in 2012.

Whether or not the Rangers will look to re-sign him or if Gaborik has any interest to stay in New York remains to be seen, but games missed because of a lockout hampers his momentum.

Gaborik underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason to repair a torn labrum that he suffered against the Senators in the playoffs, which required a five-month layoff.

Brandon Dubinsky

Brandon Dubinsky may be looking to prove the Rangers wrong.

Traded in the offseason to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a blockbuster deal that sent star Rick Nash to New York, Dubinsky has been the center of criticism in recent times due to his inconsistent play.

The 2011-12 season saw Dubinsky post record-low numbers, with only 10 goals and 34 minutes. Ranger fans grew tired of Dubinsky's inconsistency and called for his removal from the roster.

Rangers fans got their wish in the Columbus deal, however, Dubinsky himself may be out to show New York it was a mistake.

Normally a 20-goal scorer in the past, Dubinsky has shown sound offensive playmaking ability and defensive skills that earned the Rangers their reputation for being a hard-working and gritty team.

Despite having a dismal 2011, a change of scenery and teammates may just do the trick for Dubinsky.

It's integral for an athlete who has had a bad season to get right back to work to fine-tune himself and get the momentum back by playing.

Hopefully the lockout won't hamper Dubsinky's efforts or his determination.

Dustin Brown

The Los Angeles Kings went on an amazing postseason run in 2012 that saw them win the Stanley Cup.

Dustin Brown, the Kings captain, is still young and has many years left to play in the NHL, but his momentum is hurt by the lockout.

Scoring 22 goals last season and tallying eight goals with 12 assists in the playoffs, Brown was an integral part of the Kings' dangerous offensive prowess.

Going on a postseason tear, the best thing for Brown and the Kings is to get back on the ice and capitalize on their late-season momentum.