The Most Untouchable Player on Every NHL Team's Roster
Every player has his price. Well, maybe not every player.
Building a solid core while remaining under the salary cap—or a self-imposed budget—is the challenge of every general manager in the NHL, and to do so, they are forced to get creative at times.
We saw another active trade deadline this season, with many big names churned out of the rumor mill.
Some names, though, are never mentioned. The untouchables are core players with more value to their team than anyone could offer through a trade. They are often the best player, but if they're not, they are typically on track to become one of them.
Click through to see every team's most untouchable player and why he's considered the crown jewel.
Statistics are via NHL.com. Advanced stats come via Stats.HockeyAnalasys.com. Contract information is courtesy of NHLnumbers.com.
Anaheim Ducks: Ryan Getzlaf
1 of 30
What he's done: In 65 games this season, the Ducks captain has 20 goals and 61 points to go with a plus-11 rating. He's averaging more than 20 minutes a night, winning 51 percent of his draws and blocking more shots than any other Ducks forward.
Why he's untouchable: Big and talented centers are tough to find, and once you lock them up to long-term deals, you better not let them go. Ryan Getzlaf, who doesn't turn 30 until May, is the team's on-ice leader, capable of putting up big minutes in all situations. Winger Corey Perry is a trigger man, but without his playmaker, he's shooting blanks.
Other candidates: D Sami Vatanen, W Corey Perry.
Arizona Coyotes: Oliver Ekman-Larsson
2 of 30
What he's done: Oliver Ekman-Larsson has a team-high seven game-winning goals, which is fifth in the NHL and three more than the closest defenseman this season. His 17 goals leads all blueliners, and his 33 points in 67 games has him first in team scoring since the departure of Keith Yandle and Antoine Vermette.
Why he's untouchable: At 23, the big Swede is the cornerstone of the Coyotes defense. He's averaging almost 25 minutes a game, and now that Keith Yandle has been traded away, Ekman-Larsson is the most critical building block on the current roster.
Other candidates: Prospects Max Domi, Anthony Duclair.
Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron
3 of 30
What he's done: The perennial 20-goal scorer has 18 this year and is on pace for a third-straight 60-point season in a non-lockout year. He leads the league with a 59.9 faceoff percentage.
Why he's untouchable: Selke Trophy winners and top possession players don't grow on trees, and Patrice Bergeron has won the league's best defensive forward honors twice. The 29-year-old is the most important piece of the Bruins core group of forwards and will be for years under a reasonable contract that runs through 2022.
Other candidates: D Dougie Hamilton, C David Krejci.
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Buffalo Sabres: Sam Reinhart
4 of 30
What he's done: With the Sabres, not a whole lot just yet. He played nine games as a rookie this year with Sabres, earning one assist and a little more than 10 minutes of ice time per game before being sent back to juniors to work on his strength.
Why he's untouchable: The second overall draft pick has the kind of hockey intelligence that can lead to special things down the road. The Sabres have some very talented prospects taking on bigger roles after the trade-deadline purge, but Sam Reinhart and whoever they select this spring could be the keys to the franchise's future.
Other candidates: C Zemgus Girgensons, W Evander Kane.
Calgary Flames: Sean Monahan
5 of 30
What he's done: The sophomore has a team-high 24 goals and has 47 points in 66 games this season. The 20-year-old Sean Monahan is averaging 19:23 a game after suiting up for less than 16 on average a year ago.
Why he's untouchable: Defenseman Mark Giordano would be an easy choice as the team's captain and his obvious importance to the team on and off the ice, but in terms of the Flames' long-term plans, it's the presence of Monahan, an even-keeled, talented two-way center with size, strength and smarts who is critical to future success.
Other candidates: D Mark Giordano, W Johnny Gaudreau.
Carolina Hurricanes: Justin Faulk
6 of 30
What he's done: The 22-year-old has had a career year with 12 goals and 41 points through 64 games, putting him on pace for 53 points this season.
Why he's untouchable: A fourth-year pro, Justin Faulk has blossomed into an elite point-producing defenseman on a team that has very little depth on the back end. Although the Hurricanes have some key young forwards, Faulk is the key to future success on defense, especially following the trade of pending UFA Andrej Sekera.
Other candidates: C Elias Lindholm, W Jeff Skinner.
Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane
7 of 30
What he's done: Before a devastating shoulder injury that required surgery, Patrick Kane was leading the NHL in scoring. He racked up 27 goals and 64 points in 61 games.
Why he's untouchable: Remember a few slides back when I said that Selke winners don't grow on trees? The presence of Jonathan Toews makes this a tough pick, but the exception to the Selke rule might be the generational scoring talent of a guy like Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks view them as equally important pieces and signed them to identical long-term deals.
Other candidates: C Jonathan Toews, D Duncan Keith.
Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon
8 of 30
What he's done: In his second season, the 19-year-old has experienced a bit of a sophomore slump with 14 goals and 38 points in 64 games before a broken foot knocked him out for the rest of the year. Still, he's amassed 38 goals and 101 points in 146 NHL games so far.
Why he's untouchable: The numbers he's put up as a teenager have shown his potential to become one of the league's top centers in the not-too-distant future. The first overall pick from the 2013 NHL Draft is the future centerpiece of an offense that has a nice blend of youth and experience.
Other candidates: C Matt Duchene, W Gabriel Landeskog.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Johansen
9 of 30
What he's done: Ryan Johansen is proving his breakout season a year ago was no fluke. The 22-year-old center is on pace for 27 goals and 71 points—a grand total that would set a new career high in his fourth year.
Why he's untouchable: He has work to do on perfecting his two-way play, but the 6'3", 223-pound middle man has a ceiling much higher than any of his more veteran teammates and just needs a little more time to develop. In the meantime, it's not like he's doing any harm as a potential point-per-game player and top sniper. Contract negotiations could change this status after his bridge deal expires in 2017.
Other candidates: G Sergei Bobrovsky, C Brandon Dubinsky.
Dallas Stars: John Klingberg
10 of 30
What he's done: In less than a full season, John Klingberg has become the team's top defenseman, netting 10 goals and 36 points in 53 games.
Why he's untouchable: The Stars haven't had a franchise defenseman since Sergei Zubov, and Klingberg might be more well-rounded than the former star. Not to take anything away from the likes of Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, but taking one of those two out of the picture doesn't have the same negative impact as losing the 22-year-old Klingberg, who has fans excited about the defense again.
Other candidates: C Tyler Seguin, W Jamie Benn.
Detroit Red Wings: Pavel Datsyuk
11 of 30
What he's done: After missing the start of the season with injury, Pavel Datsyuk has produced 23 goals and 56 points in 54 games. Lifetime, the crafty Russian has netted 295 goals and 860 points in 878 NHL regular-season games.
Why he's untouchable: You won't see many 35-year-olds in this slideshow, given that we're looking forward and not into the past for reasons players are considered untouchable. In this case, however, it's the pure skill and game-changing ability that can not be replaced in spite of the talented young kids coming up the Red Wings ranks. It's a similar scenario for captain Henrik Zetterberg at 34. They're the keys until they retire.
Other candidates: C Henrik Zetterberg, W Tomas Tatar, W Gustav Nyquist.
Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
12 of 30
What he's done: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins leads the team with 19 goals and is second with 43 points this season. He averages nearly 21 minutes a game—the most of any Oilers forwards.
Why he's untouchable: While there was plenty of pre-deadline chatter about the possibility of shaking up the core by dealing a winger like Jordan Eberle or Taylor Hall, Nugent-Hopkins avoided the rumor mill thanks to his status as the team's franchise center. He's still just 21 years old and is on pace for career highs in every category.
Other candidates: C Leon Draisaitl, D Oscar Klefbom.
Florida Panthers: Aaron Ekblad
13 of 30
What he's done: The 2014 first-overall draft pick has been a solid presence on the Florida Panthers blue line this season, partnering with Brian Campbell and establishing himself as a threat offensively and a reliable defender.
Why he's untouchable: At 6'4" and 216 pounds, Aaron Ekblad is only going to grow stronger as he develops, giving the Panthers a top blueliner for the next decade. He's also a bargain for the next couple of years while he's still on his entry-level deal.
Other candidates: C Aleksander Barkov, W Jonathan Huberdeau.
Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty
14 of 30
What he's done: Everything but win the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman. The 2010 Norris finalist is on pace for his best point total since that memorable 59-point season. Drew Doughty has 38 points through 65 games this year.
Why he's untouchable: He and defensive partner Jake Muzzin make up two of the top three blueliners in Corsi-for percentage. Doughty leads the league with an average of 29:23 per game and is simply one of the best two-way players in the game. He gets the edge over Selke candidate Anze Kopitar because scoring by committee could make up for some of the things the center does, but no defender can make up Doughty's minutes.
Other candidates: C Anze Kopitar, G Jonathan Quick.
Minnesota Wild: Ryan Suter
15 of 30
What he's done: Consistent as they come, Ryan Suter has 32 points in 63 games this season while piling up the minutes on ice. His average of 29:05 per game is second behind Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings.
Why he's untouchable: As key as guys like Zach Parise are now and Mikael Granlund may be for the future, Suter is a rare commodity on the back end with the ability to play those heavy minutes in any situation, against any opponent, and still contribute offensively.
Other candidates: W Zach Parise, D Matt Dumba.
Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price
16 of 30
What he's done: The 27-year-old has the most wins (37), lowest goals-against average (1.87) and highest save percentage (.937) of all the league's regulars. Carey Price is tied for second with seven shutouts and has faced the third most shots in the NHL all year.
Why he's untouchable: Price is probably going to be the first goaltender to win the Hart Trophy since former Habs goalie Jose Theodore in 2002. Without their backstop, the Canadiens would not be anywhere near the top of the Eastern Conference given the stunning number of shots against they allow per game.
Other candidates: D P.K. Subban, W Max Pacioretty.
Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne
17 of 30
What he's done: The 32-year-old Finn is second in wins (36), second in goals-against (2.11) and third in save percentage (.927) this season.
Why he's untouchable: The Preds have stellar depth on the blue line and a well-rounded group of forwards. But it's Pekka Renne who has made a massive difference this year after missing much of last year due to injury. Rinne has helped the Predators make the jump from being out of the playoffs last season to one of the top teams in the Western Conference this year.
Other candidates: D Shea Weber, W Filip Forsberg.
New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider
18 of 30
What he's done: In his first unquestioned season as a full-time starter, Cory Schneider has had great numbers in every category but wins. He can't do the scoring, though. Despite facing the most shots and making the most saves in the league, Schneider is fourth in save percentage (.926) and eighth in GAA (2.25).
Why he's untouchable: Because we're going on a run on goalies here. No, really, the Devils don't have much in the way of core pieces, but Schneider looks like a legitimate No. 1 guy who needs better support in front of him.
Other candidates: C Adam Henrique.
New York Islanders: John Tavares
19 of 30
What he's done: John Tavares leads the NHL's Art Ross race with 72 points in 69 games. His 33 goals are fourth most, and his seven game-winners are good for sixth.
Why he's untouchable: He's a Hart Trophy front-runner who, at 24, is still improving. He's the face of the franchise, the captain, and locked up at a bargain basement salary-cap hit of $5.5 million for the next three seasons.
Other candidates: D Nick Leddy, W Kyle Okposo.
New York Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist
20 of 30
What he's done: A scary injury to the arteries in his neck has shelved him indefinitely, but Henrik Lundqvist still put together some solid statistics before going down. He's won 25 of his 39 games, and his .922 save percentage is 10th best while his GAA of 2.25 is good for eighth.
Why he's untouchable: The New York Rangers sold the farm at the trade deadline primarily because of the championship window Lundqvist provides. The 33-year-old is the most critical component in their playoff hopes, and the Rangers brought in a top defenseman at the deadline in Keith Yandle.
Other candidates: W Rick Nash, D Keith Yandle.
Ottawa Senators: Erik Karlsson
21 of 30
What he's done: Erik Karlsson is in a battle for first in scoring among defensemen and is on pace for more than 60 points this season. He's the Senators' top point producer so far.
Why he's untouchable: The Senators have a lot of complementary pieces but only one true star in Karlsson, who does things no other defenseman in the league can do with his feet and has the kind of vision some forwards dream of. And he's only 24.
Other candidates: W Bobby Ryan, C Kyle Turris.
Philadelphia Flyers: Claude Giroux
22 of 30
What he's done: Although he's somewhat in Jakub Voracek's shadow this year, Claude Giroux has 18 goals and 61 points in 67 games.
Why he's untouchable: Giroux is one of the best playmakers in the NHL and is also one of its top performers in the faceoff circle—an aspect of the game that can not be overrated. He's the only Flyers forward who averages more than 20 minutes of ice time.
Other candidates: W Jakub Voracek, C Sean Couturier.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby
23 of 30
What he's done: In his career, only a couple of scoring titles, a couple of MVPs and a couple of Olympic gold medals as a starting point. This year, Sidney Crosby has 67 points in 62 games.
Why he's untouchable: He's arguably the best player in the league, although there is another elite center on his same team in Evgeni Malkin. Because of all he adds to the franchise, on and off the ice, he may be the most untouchable player in the entire NHL.
Other candidates: C Evgeni Malkin, D Kris Letang.
San Jose Sharks: Joe Pavelski
24 of 30
What he's done: Little Joe leads the Sharks in scoring with 32 goals and 61 points in 67 games. His 17 power-play goals are third best in the league.
Why he's untouchable: With Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau more likely to be on the move with every passing year, Pavelski has stepped into a meatier role, on and off the ice. The 30-year-old is always a threat to score 40 and the new leader—albeit unofficially—of the rudderless Sharks.
Other candidates: C Logan Couture, D Brent Burns.
St. Louis Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko
25 of 30
What he's done: Talk about balanced. Vladimir Tarasenko has 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 66 games so far in his second full season. He's also got the fourth best plus/minus at plus-29.
Why he's untouchable: The 23-year-old is looking more and more special, standing out even on a Blues squad that is littered with young talent. Tarasenko has been a human highlight reel this sesason and will be a huge part of this team's success for years to come.
Other candidates: D Kevin Shattenkirk, D Alex Pietrangelo, W Jaden Schwartz.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos
26 of 30
What he's done: The 25-year-old has 36 goals—third most in the league—and 61 points through 68 games this season.
Why he's untouchable: Although surrounded by more talent than ever, Steven Stamkos draws the most attention from opponents on the ice because of his ability to find seams and score from anywhere. The team may be forced to make a blockbuster next season if they feel they could lose him as a UFA with just one year remaining on his current contract, but if that isn't an issue, he will never be moved.
Other candidates: C Tyler Johnson, D Victor Hedman.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Morgan Rielly
27 of 30
What he's done: The 21-year-old has put together nine goals and 50 points in 138 NHL games so far over two seasons. He's shown flashes of being a dynamic playmaker from the back end and led the Leafs in scoring over the month of February.
Why he's untouchable: The Leafs have not had a lot of success developing defensemen over the years and have discovered in Morgan Rielly a talent that could mature into the kind of puck-moving but responsible cornerstone of the defense. Looking to create a new atmosphere, the Leafs are likely to part with many of the established guys and go with the youth. Rielly might have been the only untouchable at the trade deadline.
Other candidates: W James van Riemsdyk.
Vancouver Canucks: The Sedin Twins
28 of 30
What they've done: Henrik and Daniel Sedin have proven this season they are still elite forwards capable of leading a team toward the playoffs. Together they have 29 goals and 118 points in 66 games for the Canucks this year.
Why they're untouchable: The Canucks without the Sedins would be an entirely different franchise in no hurry to be competitive. The talented Swedes are the driving forces behind the success the team has had over the past decade, and although there are some young prospects worth watching, the city may not see the same sort of talent in town for a long time once the Sedins retire.
Other candidates: C Bo Horvat.
Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin
29 of 30
What he's done: Ho-hum, another 40-goal season ... and counting.
Why he's untouchable: Not only has Alex Ovechkin continued to thrive as a goal-scorer, he's worked on his 200-foot game in order to please new head coach Barry Trotz. Committed to winning, the 29-year-old can be unstoppable at times on the ice. He is irreplaceable in the Capitals lineup.
Other candidates: C Nicklas Backstrom, G Braden Holtby.
Winnipeg Jets: Dustin Byfuglien
30 of 30
What he's done: While flipping back and forth from forward to defense depending on the team's health, Dustin Byfuglien overcame a slow start to pile up 15 goals and 42 points through 65 games so far.
Why he's untouchable: The 29-year-old has just one more year on his contract and may be able to force his way out of Winnipeg if he chooses. But it would not be the choice of the Jets, who have a lot of solid players and leaders but none quite like Byfuglien, who can play defense or fill in on the top line up front. He is physical and quick and skilled and just a force of nature on the ice.
Other candidates: W Andrew Ladd, D Jacob Trouba, D Tyler Myers.
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