Every NHL Team's Biggest Bargain so Far in the 2014-15 NHL Season
Some guys get paid big bucks to perform at their best out of the gate. Others are just bonuses. So far in the 2014-15 NHL season, we've had plenty of bang for the buck when it comes to statistics and intangible assets.
We're going to take a look at every team's biggest bargain so far, with an eye on numbers both obvious and underlying. Guys who are scoring some points while collecting smaller checks will be on this list, but you'll also notice some goaltenders and defensemen who are more focused on stopping pucks from getting past them than slipping some past their opponents.
There are multiple candidates for nearly every team—even unmitigated disasters like the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres—so play along and announce yours in the comments section.
Click ahead to check them out.
Anaheim Ducks: D Sami Vatanen
1 of 30
Salary: $1.25 million ($1,262,500 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 11 games, three goals, four assists, seven points, three power-play points, 20:27 average ice time, 4:22 power-play minutes per game
The bottom line: You could look at fellow defenseman Hampus Lindholm, who's on an entry-level deal, as competition, but Sami Vatanen leads the way for the Anaheim Ducks in terms of value. In the first season of his extremely cap-friendly two-year deal, the 23-year-old is tied for third in team scoring and is the team's top power-play quarterback. He's averaging the fourth-most minutes on the team per game and is key to the Ducks' depth on the back end.
Arizona Coyotes: LW Mikkel Boedker
2 of 30
Salary: $2.3 million ($2.55M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, five goals, one assist, six points, 26 shots, 18:27 average ice time
The bottom line: Mikkel Boedker plays the second-most minutes of any Arizona Coyotes forward behind captain Shane Doan. The 24-year-old is tied for second in team scoring so far and is also a key piece of the power-play unit. In the first season of a two-year deal, Boedker's next negotiated price will be much, much higher.
Boston Bruins: C Carl Soderberg
3 of 30
Salary: $1 million ($1,008,333 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 12 games, three goals, five assists, eight points, 24 shots, 16:16 average ice time
The bottom line: Technically, Carl Soderberg centers the Boston Bruins' "third line." However, he plays the fifth-most minutes of all forwards on average and dabbles in both the power play and penalty kill. He's also producing points at a steady pace, which would make him a much coveted middle man on any of the NHL's 30 teams. He's a pending unrestricted free agent who's due a massive raise.
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Buffalo Sabres: C Zemgus Girgensons
4 of 30
Salary: $925,000 ($894,167 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 11 games, two goals, one assist, three points, 17:24 average ice time per game, 2:37 shorthanded minutes per game
The bottom line: It's difficult to find any member of the Buffalo Sabres you can call a bargain at this point of a dismal season, but the 20-year-old Latvian in his second NHL season has been earning the confidence of his coach; his ice time is second most among all forwards, and he ranks tops at the position in terms of shorthanded minutes as well. He's a hard worker who, when surrounded by more talent, will see his offensive numbers improve quickly.
He's caught the attention of many around the league, including Los Angeles Kings insider Jon Rosen, who told local fans via Twitter to watch Girgensons when they played the Sabres.
Calgary Flames: D T.J. Brodie
5 of 30
Salary: $2.5 million ($2.125M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 11 games, three goals, five assists, eight points, plus-six rating, 24:51 average ice time, 2:43 power-play minutes per game, 2:40 shorthanded minutes per game
The bottom line: T.J. Brodie is seeing the most minutes of any member of the Calgary Flames—even more than his top-pairing defense partner Mark Giordano. He's the top defender on the penalty-kilingl unit and also gets valuable time on the man advantage. This bargain expires at the end of the year, when his recently signed five-year extension worth more than $23 million kicks in for next season.
Carolina Hurricanes: C Riley Nash
6 of 30
Salary: $600,000 ($575,000 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Eight games, two goals, three assists, five points, 17:51 average ice time
The bottom line: Because of an injury to Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal, the team has relied on Riley Nash to play a much bigger role. He's lining up on the top trio between Alexander Semin and Jiri Tlusty and hasn't looked overwhelmed with the added responsibility.
With Staal healthy again and returning to the lineup on Tuesday, as per NHL.com's Kevin Woodley, it will be interesting to see if Nash can keep his momentum going in a more limited role. He's the lowest cap hit on the entire team.
Chicago Blackhawks: LW Brandon Saad
7 of 30
Salary: $832,500 ($764,167)
Statistically speaking: 10 games, one goal, five assists, six points, 21 shots, 17:07 average ice time
The bottom line: You could make an argument that either Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane are bigger bargains at their current $6.3 million cap hits this year before the massive $10 million-per-season deals kick in next season. But Brandon Saad is really growing into his role as a second-line winger and is in the final year of his entry-level deal worth less than $1 million. He's money and will be seeing a lot more of it next year as a restricted free agent.
Colorado Avalanche: D Tyson Barrie
8 of 30
Salary: $2 million ($2.6M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 11 games, one goal, six assists, seven points, 22 shots, 20:47 average ice time, 3:15 power-play minutes per game, three power-play points
The bottom line: Given that sophomore Nathan MacKinnon is destined to be a star in the league and is in just his second year of an entry-level deal, you'd think he'd be the easy pick. But his early struggles combined with the nice price tag on last year's breakout defenseman in Tyson Barrie gives the edge to the blueliner.
Barrie is thriving as an offensive defenseman and power-play specialist and has played the second-most minutes per game of any skater on the squad.
Columbus Blue Jackets: C Ryan Johansen
9 of 30
Salary: $3 million ($4M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, five goals, seven assists, 12 points, 20 shots, 18:09 average ice time, 3:40 power-play minutes per game, five power-play points
The bottom line: Some of the Columbus Blue Jackets' lesser-priced players have been putting up decent numbers, but center Ryan Johansen is a burgeoning star who is locked up at just $3 million for this season and next before jumping to $6 million in the final year of his freshly inked contract. He held out for more in the preseason, and the deal was contentious, per The Associated Press's Rusty Miller (via the Toronto Star website).
But it looks like Johansen is motivated to prove he's deserving of the gaudy numbers his side was seeking. He's had at least a point in every game he's played so far.
Dallas Stars: LW Jamie Benn
10 of 30
Salary: $5.25 million (same cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, five goals, six assists, 11 points, 11 penalty minutes, 28 shots, 19:42 average ice time, 3:29 power-play minutes per game
The bottom line: While newcomer Jason Spezza is the highest-paid player at $7 million per season, both Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn are underpaid at south of $6 million annually. That's not going to change for at least a few years, with Seguin locked up until 2019 and Benn through to 2017.
Considering how they drive the Dallas Stars offense, they could easily be lumped in with the likes of $10 million men Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf or Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Benn still won't be making $6 million in his final year of his current deal. The next one will probably double. He's their leader on and off the ice and is reliable in every facet of the game.
Detroit Red Wings: RW Gustav Nyquist
11 of 30
Salary: $1.05 million ($950,000)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, five goals, one assist, six points, 20 shots, plus-three
The bottom line: At $1.8 million this year, winger Justin Abdelkader isn't far behind Nyquist in value, but Nyquist is a true game-breaking talent who will look to cash in on his success next season as a restricted free agent the Detroit Red Wings had best keep around. He had a little four-game slump but has scored in every other contest this year, including the Wings' most recent.
Edmonton Oilers: C Mark Arcobello
12 of 30
Salary: $600,000 (same cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 10 games, two goals, two assists, four points, four shots, plus-three
The bottom line: The Edmonton Oilers have kept 2014 draft pick Leon Draisaitl around because they lack depth at center, but Mark Arcobello has been a solid third-line player capable of chipping in offense as well as being sound on defense despite his lack of size. When it comes to this team full of guys making decent coin, it's a player like Arcobello who has a little more bang for the buck. His contributions may be more minimal, but they're more meaningful, too.
Florida Panthers: RW Brad Boyes
13 of 30
Salary: $2.75 million ($2.625M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Seven games, two goals, two assists, four points, 17 shots
The bottom line: At 32, Boyes is past his days of 40-goal seasons. But he is a valuable commodity in Florida where the Panthers need his veteran influence while rebuilding with a batch of young up-and-comers. He still has the talent to produce some points as well, as his respectable start on a really bad team has shown.
There are a quartet of talented kids on entry-level deals in Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Aaron Ekblad and Nick Bjugstad, but none of them have all that Boyes has to offer just yet—on an affordable salary.
Los Angeles Kings: RW Tyler Toffoli
14 of 30
Salary: $685,000 ($716,667 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 10 games, five goals, eight assists, 13 points, 23 shots, plus-12 rating, two shorthanded goals, three power-play points
The bottom line: The 22-year-old Tyler Toffoli opened eyes in the playoffs last season once teamed up with Jeff Carter and Tanner Pearson, scoring seven goals and 14 points in 26 postseason contests for the Los Angeles Kings, who won the Stanley Cup in part because of his contributions.
He's been even better to start this season as part of the team's best line. Toffoli is leading the Kings in scoring and doing it in every possible fashion. What may be most impressive is he's doing it while averaging fewer than 15 minutes per night.
Minnesota Wild: D Jonas Brodin
15 of 30
Salary: $832,500 ($894,167 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Seven games, no goals, one assist, 11 shots, plus-seven rating, 23:29 average ice time, 2:39 shorthanded minutes on per game, 61.9 percent on-ice Corsi
The bottom line: On the top defensive pairing with Ryan Suter, the 21-year-old Jonas Brodin has blossomed into a stellar defender. His offensive goals are nothing special through the early part of the season, but his plus/minus rating is solid and his on-ice Corsi percentage is sixth best in the entire league, according to Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com. He averages second in overall ice time behind Suter and has become a critical part of the Minnesota Wild's underrated blue line.
Montreal Canadiens: RW Alex Galchenyuk
16 of 30
Salary: $925,000 (same cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 11 games, four goals, four assists, eight points, 27 shots, two power-play points
The bottom line: It's the final year of Alex Galchenyuk's entry-level deal with the Montreal Canadiens, and the 20-year-old (yes, he's still only 20) is giving his team some great value.
Of course, it will pay off with a much bigger payday for the former third overall draft pick this summer with either a long-term deal or bridge contract that will be up in the multimillion range per season. The Canadiens have only three power-play goals on the season, and the crafty winger has assisted on two of them.
Nashville Predators: C Filip Forsberg
17 of 30
Salary: $925,000 ($894,167 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, one goal, six assists, seven points, plus-10 rating, 18 shots, 16:10 average ice time
The bottom line: Rookie Filip Forsberg has been a big component of the Nashville Predators' early success, playing on a line with sniper James Neal and veteran Mike Ribeiro. Not only is he tied for the team lead in scoring, but his plus/minus rating is six higher than his next best teammate (Paul Gaustad).
Other considerations include Seth Jones, but his impact hasn't been quite as impressive as Forsberg's—or as surprising.
New Jersey Devils: D Damon Severson
18 of 30
Salary: $642,500 ($605,833 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 10 games, four goals, three assists, seven points, plus-six rating, 30 shots, 22:10 average ice time.
The bottom line: Rookie defenseman Damon Severson finds himself wedged in with Jaromir Jagr, Michael Cammalleri and Adam Henrique as the New Jersey Devils' hottest offensive players to start the 2014-15 campaign. The 20-year-old made the jump from junior and hasn't looked at all out of place while racking up the second-most minutes on the team and manning the point on the power play.
New York Islanders: LW Brock Nelson
19 of 30
Salary: $900,000 (same cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 10 games, six goals, six assists, 12 points, 21 shots, plus-three rating, three power-play goals, five power-play points
The bottom line: All the production of John Tavares at a fraction of the price. Rookie winger Brock Nelson has been a revelation for the New York Islanders this season, equaling captain Tavares' production while playing fewer minutes and on the second line. He has been unstoppable on the power play but also has produced more than half his points at even strength. He's had four games without a point but four multipoint games to make up for it.
New York Rangers: LW Chris Kreider
20 of 30
Salary: $2.35 million ($2.475M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, two goals, four assists, six points, 20 shots, 38 penalty minutes, plus-four rating
The bottom line: The 23-year-old in his first full NHL season is really coming into his own as a big, physical, speedy power forward. Chris Kreider is near the top of team scoring at a much lower average salary than the others posting bigger numbers.
The one exception is 19-year-old Anthony Duclair, who is coming on strong and has three points in his last four games in the first year of his entry-level deal. He finishes second because of the all-around game Kreider has developed.
Ottawa Senators: C Kyle Turris
21 of 30
Salary: $2.5 million ($3.5M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, one goal, five assists, six points, plus-two rating, 23 shots, 18:48 average ice time
The bottom line: Thanks in part to a shooting percentage that is under five percent at the moment, Kyle Turris's numbers aren't what some expected after former captain Jason Spezza departed the Ottawa Senators following a trade request in the offseason. That move put Turris atop the depth chart at center, which is prime real estate for an offensively gifted young player.
The 25-year-old is still off to a decent start, playing the most minutes of any Sens forward so far. And he has a reasonable salary for a young guy with oodles of talent. His actual salary number this year is even lower than his cap hit.
Philadelphia Flyers: RW Wayne Simmonds
22 of 30
Salary: $3.2 million ($3.975M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 10 games, six goals, two assists, eight points, plus-seven rating, three power-play goals, 22 hits
The bottom line: The gritty and talented Wayne Simmonds is in the second year of a six-season term with the Philadelphia Flyers, and his price point for a guy who has twice nearly cracked the 30-goal column and isn't afraid to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates is definitely in the bargain aisle. Simmonds has been an effective two-way player this season while still leading the team in the goal category.
Pittsburgh Penguins: LW Blake Comeau
23 of 30
Salary: $700,000 (same cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, two goals, four assists, six points, 14 shots, 13:48 ice time per game, 31 hits
The bottom line: The Pittsburgh Penguins wanted to get tougher with their bottom-six forwards while also increasing their scoring depth. They hit the jackpot with Blake Comeau on a one-year deal near the league minimum.
The 28-year-old has bounced around the league but has shown flashes of talent and has speed and a physical presence when playing his best. He's been doing that on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Pascal Dupuis in recent days.
San Jose Sharks: C Tommy Wingels
24 of 30
Salary: $2.35 million ($2.475M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 12 games, five goals, three assists, eight points, 45 shots, three power-play points
The bottom line: Yup, Tommy Wingels is on the San Jose Sharks' second power-play unit. With all the top-six offensive talent the Sharks have, they still go to their grinder because of his determination.
Despite playing in his first year of a bumped-up salary after inking a new deal in recent months, Wingels is a bargain because of his tremendous ability to keep opposing goalies on their toes by averaging nearly four shots per game. He's been a key cog over younger guys on entry-level deals such as Matt Nieto and Tomas Hertl.
St. Louis Blues: RW Vladimir Tarasenko
25 of 30
Salary: $900,000 (same cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, four goals, five assists, nine points, plus-six rating, 38 shots, 17:48 average ice time, three power-play points
The bottom line: Vladimir Tarasenko is in the final year of his entry-level deal and is one of many pending restricted free agents around the league who can cash in handily at the pace they're going so far. At a point-per-game clip, the 22-year-old Russian is leading the St. Louis Blues in scoring and plus/minus. He's showing why he was a first-round draft pick (16th overall) in 2010.
Tampa Bay Lightning: G Ben Bishop
26 of 30
Salary: $2.4 million ($2.3M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Eight games started, 6-1-1 record, 2.39 goals-against average, .911 save percentage
The bottom line: The bargain won't last long. Ben Bishop is in the last year of his two-year deal signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning after his trade from the Ottawa Senators. An extension he inked with the Bolts this summer kicks in next year at $5.9 million per season—still a pretty solid deal for a proven Vezina Trophy candidate.
After missing last season's playoffs because of an elbow injury that required surgery, Bishop is back in fine form. His individual numbers aren't the best in the league, but his winning percentage sure is.
Rookie Jonathan Drouin looks good, too, but he's not nearly as critical to the lineup's success as Bishop.
Toronto Maple Leafs: LW Leo Komarov
27 of 30
Salary: $2.95 million (same cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Nine games, no goals, six assists, six points, 14 shots, 35 hits
The bottom line: Behind the Toronto Maple Leafs' Big Three of James van Riemsdyk, Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak, you've got...fireball Leo Komarov.
Maybe it's a sad statement about the Leafs' depth. But maybe it's about Komarov's talent and work ethic combining to produce some decent statistics. Komarov was in the KHL last year but came back much to the delight of the Toronto organization and its fans. The 27-year-old is a pesky physical presence with some skills to back it up.
Vancouver Canucks: C Nick Bonino
28 of 30
Salary: $1.7 million ($1.9 million)
Statistically speaking: 10 games, four goals, four assists, eight points, plus-four rating, 24 shots
The bottom line: Nick Bonino joined the Vancouver Canucks as part of the return in the Ryan Kesler deal, and the Canucks have to be thrilled with his ability to take on a very similar role. Bonino is an extremely effective two-way player with plenty of prime years ahead.
This year, he's a big bargain because of his offensive output and responsibility, which is appreciated in the locker room. The Vancouver Sun's Brad Ziemer believes Bonino is looking just as good as Kesler in the early going.
Washington Capitals: G Braden Holtby
29 of 30
Salary: $2 million ($1.85M cap hit)
Statistically speaking: Seven games started, 3-2-1 record, 2.25 goals-against average, .907 save percentage, one shutout
The bottom line: His numbers have fallen off a touch over the past week, but Braden Holtby is making a whole lot less than your typical No. 1 goaltender and has given his team opportunities to win in spite of a very apparent lack of offensive support. The Caps have scored just 10 goals in their last five games.
Rookie Andre Burakovsky has made an impact so far, but he's not as critical to the team's success as Holtby despite the slim entry-level salary.
Winnipeg Jets: D Jacob Trouba
30 of 30
Salary: $925,000 ($894,167 cap hit)
Statistically speaking: 10 games, one goal, no assists, one point, 16 shots, 22:43 average ice time, 3:43 penalty-kill minutes per game, 2:15 power-play minutes per contest, 21 blocked shots
The bottom line: Jacob Trouba is a shutdown defenseman who is proving his worth in Winnipeg. The Jets are rolling him out for nearly 23 minutes a game—second most on the team—and he is tops in shorthanded minutes on average per game. He leads the team in blocked shots and is among the best in the league in that statistic.
His entry-level deal is keeping him cheap, but that price tag will climb over the next couple of years. For now, he's a total bargain at that salary and cap hit even without offensive production.
All statistics courtesy of NHL.com, CapGeek.com and Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com unless otherwise noted.
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