Every NHL Team's Most Underrated Player Ahead of 2016-17 Season
Picking a team's biggest star or biggest contractual bargain is one thing, but selecting every NHL team's most underrated player for the 2016-17 season is quite a task.
The very definition of it could be in the eye of the beholder. Any player on any team could be considered for this list, regardless of their talent level and role. The franchise's biggest star could be an underrated player if he doesn't get the credit he deserves for his value to the team.
That's the approach here. This slideshow is comprised of some role players who offer secondary scoring or defensive depth, but it's also got some big names who deserve more kudos for what they do.
And they're all important parts of building a winning team.
Click ahead to see our pick for your team's most underrated player for the coming season.
Anaheim Ducks: Jonathan Bernier
1 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $4.15 million
What he Provides: Jonathan Bernier is a solid backup who offers stability in the crease even after the departure of Frederik Andersen, who now will now man the crease in Bernier's former stomping grounds of Toronto.
Although Bernier has seen his numbers drop the last couple of years after a solid start with the Maple Leafs, he still has a career save percentage of .915—which ranks 14th among active goaltenders.
Why he is Underrated: A couple of awful years under the microscope in Toronto knocked Bernier from savior to sieve status.
Few look at him as a potential starter now, but the reason the Anaheim Ducks felt so comfortable parting ways with Andersen had as much to do with the deal in the works for Bernier as it did with the faith they have in John Gibson as their starter.
Gibson has played in just 66 NHL games so far, and Bernier is the new safety net.
Arizona Coyotes: Jamie McGinn
2 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $3.334 million
What he Provides: He had the advantage of playing 84 games last season, but Jamie McGinn hit the 20-goal mark for the second time in five years last season playing for the Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres.
He can play up and down the lineup as needed in the top nine, and he offers some size and physical elements as well.
Why he is Underrated: A salary cap hit under $4 million for a guy who can put up 20 goals is a pretty good bargain. Yet for McGinn, the deal with the Arizona Coyotes is part of a gradual step up thanks to his slow but steady progression.
The 28-year-old remains somewhat under the radar because he will be playing for his third team in less than two years—his fourth in five—but provides a nice veteran presence for a young team hoping to rise.
Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak
3 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $925,000
What he Provides: David Pastrnak is a 20-year-old who has shown flashes of potential with 25 goals in 97 regular-season games over two seasons. When healthy, he has produced at a pretty good pace for a youngster in the world's greatest league.
Why he is Underrated: Thanks to injuries, Pastrnak hasn't yet played a full NHL season or put together the kind of consistency the Bruins want to see from their young sniper in waiting. He is also still on his entry-level deal ahead of his third professional year in North America.
A breakout season will change the perception that he's just a talented prospect into him being a legitimate top-six winger.
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Buffalo Sabres: Tyler Ennis
4 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $4.6 million
What he Provides: Tyler Ennis is a speedy three-time 20-goal scorer who has the kind of skill to finish the plays he creates with his wheels. He's a first- or second-line winger for the Buffalo Sabres when healthy.
Why he is Underrated: Concussions sidelined Ennis for all but 23 games last season and even though he seems to have a spot carved out alongside Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, his name came up in trade chatter at the NHL draft in June, according to the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson.
The injury-plagued year hurt his value after he had back-to-back 20-goal and 40-point seasons.
Calgary Flames: Mikael Backlund
5 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $3.575 million
What he Provides: Mikael Backlund was the Calgary Flames' top possession player among those who suited up for at least 40 games last season.
He's a stellar shutdown pivot who is also key killing penalties. His offensive isn't bad either, with a career-high 21 goals and 47 points in 82 games.
Why he is Underrated: Backlund has never quite lived up to expectations as a first-round pick who was brought in to provide some offensive punch.
He has also been surrounded by "sexier" draft picks and prospects over the years, like Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett, drawing the spotlight away from the solid shutdown center.
Carolina Hurricanes: Lee Stempniak
6 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $2.5 million
What he Provides: Scoring at a bargain price point is what Lee Stempniak offers, and he has done that for nine different teams in the last eight years.
Stempniak had 16 goals and 41 points in 63 games for the New Jersey Devils last year before being dealt to the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. He contributed even in a lesser role with the Bruins, netting three goals and 10 points in 19 contests.
Why he is Underrated: Stempniak has always been a bit of a streaky scorer, and the fact the 33-year-old received two years and a total of $5 million as an unrestricted free agent shows some of the doubt teams have in his ability to reproduce his incredible first three-quarters of last season—with a scoring touch he hasn't displayed since 2011.
With the right linemates and a top-six role, he can remain productive for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Chicago Blackhawks: Corey Crawford
7 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $6 million
What he Provides: Top-tier goaltending. There's no doubt Corey Crawford is one of the league's best goalies, and he's one of Team Canada's three 'tenders at the World Cup of Hockey, which makes it hard to classify him as underrated—until you consider the fact he didn't even get to participate in last season's all-star competition despite owning a .929 save percentage at the break.
Why he is Underrated: Much of the lack of respect can be attributed to the fact the Blackhawks have so many other superstars skating in front of Crawford.
It's hard to compete with the likes of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith as the team's established marquee players. And the Hawks won their first of three recent Stanley Cups with marginal goaltending from Antti Niemi.
Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon
8 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $6.3 million
What he Provides: Nathan MacKinnon is already a veteran despite the fact he's only 21 years of age.
He's entering his fourth season and has twice posted point totals of more than 50, along with a pair of 20-goal campaigns. His potential is unlimited thanks to tremendous speed and vision.
Why he is Underrated: MacKinnon hasn't been able to match his rookie totals of 24 goals, 39 assists and 63 points in the two years since he entered the league. He has a tendency to disappear in games at times and has been surpassed by fellow first-round picks Connor McDavid and Aaron Ekblad.
His recent contract shows the team has faith in him, and the odds are that he will eventually live up to the lofty expectations.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Boone Jenner
9 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $2.9 million
What he Provides: Boone Jenner is a versatile forward who can play the power forward role or—as may become the case this season—take on the responsibilities of a top center.
Jenner struggled with injury two years ago after a promising rookie showing in a lower-line, energy role, but he bounced back with an impressive 30-goal campaign last season. After the trade that sent center Ryan Johansen to Nashville, the 23-year-old took on a bigger role and thrived.
Why he is Underrated: This selection isn't so much about him being overshadowed or underused by the Blue Jackets, but the level of talent he has that goes generally unnoticed by the majority of hockey fans who don't have the pleasure of watching Jenner regularly.
If 2016 draft pick Pierre-Luc Dubois develops into a top center as the team hopes, the Jackets could have a tremendously talented and physical one-two punch in the middle.
Dallas Stars: Cody Eakin
10 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $3.85 million
What he Provides: Cody Eakin is the definition of a utility forward, filling in anywhere he is needed in the lineup—whether it's on the fourth line or first alongside superstars like Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.
The lefty can play center or wing, and he has had at least 16 goals and 35 points the past three seasons.
Why he is Underrated: Nobody looks at Eakin as a top-line center, but that's where he found himself in February last season, replacing Seguin and having a nice stretch with five goals and 10 points in 10 games in March.
He produced another 11 goals and 25 points over the season while playing more often with lesser linemates in a third-line checking role. Getting that kind of production from lower lines is key.
Detroit Red Wings: Frans Nielsen
11 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $5.25 million
What he Provides: A solid two-way presence and the ability to allow another center to enjoy better matchups to produce offense is a pretty valuable commodity for teams to acquire, and the Detroit Red Wings did just that in picking up the responsible and creative Frans Nielsen in July.
Nielsen has quietly established himself as one of the best second-line centers in the game with the talent to play an even bigger role when needed.
Why he is Underrated: He's flown under the radar for the most part in New York thanks to the presence of star center John Tavares in front of him on the depth chart.
While Nielsen did cash in with a decent free-agent deal from the Red Wings this summer, it wasn't the same kind of value some of the top unrestricted players were getting from their new teams. And he probably would have found even less if Steven Stamkos hit the open market.
It's true that Nielsen isn't in the same class as Tavares offensively, but the 32-year-old was used in a shutdown role against top competition and still produced 20 goals and 52 points last season.
Edmonton Oilers: Adam Larsson
12 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $4.167 million
What he Provides: Adam Larsson has evolved into a strong top-pairing shutdown defenseman with a little offensive potential on the side. The offense isn't elite, but the defensive prowess and important minutes have been climbing.
It's an element the Edmonton Oilers have been missing and the reason they were willing to part with one of their best offensive players in a one-on-one deal that sent Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils.
Why he is Underrated: Because of the nature of the deal that sent him to Edmonton, Larsson has a lot to prove on the Oilers blue line.
He may never live up to the expectations that were first heaped on him in New Jersey as a first-round draft pick taken in the top four, or those he's facing now, but he is a 23-year-old who averaged more than 22 minutes a game almost entirely at even strength and on the penalty kill.
Florida Panthers: Roberto Luongo
13 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $5.333 million
What he Provides: In three seasons of his second go-round with the Florida Panthers, Roberto Luongo has returned to star status in goal. He's posted save percentages of .924, .921 and .922 after a couple of lackluster years in Vancouver, in which he put up .907 and .917 averages.
The 37-year-old gives the relatively young team a stable veteran presence in the most important position in terms of covering up mistakes.
Why he is Underrated: Because he was thought to be past his prime years ago, Luongo was essentially ignored the first couple of years in Florida as he helped the team grow and get closer to the playoffs.
He didn't get a single Vezina Trophy vote until this past season when he finished fourth in the voting thanks in large part to a playoff appearance. But a hip injury that needed surgery has led to more questions about his age and future, especially since the team brought in free agent James Reimer as insurance.
Los Angeles Kings: Teddy Purcell
14 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $1.6 million
What he Provides: Teddy Purcell has some sandpaper to his game. The gritty winger has size to go with the skill that has helped him score double-digit goals and 30-plus points in the last three seasons despite playing primarily support roles. He's hit the 40-point mark in two of the past three years.
Why he is Underrated: In order to find a home with the Los Angeles Kings, Purcell had to take a major pay cut from his $4.5 million earned after a couple of stellar and career years with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
As a journeyman, his talents defensively and as a secondary scoring factor haven't been appreciated as much by outside audiences as those cheering him on in his city.
Minnesota Wild: Nino Niederreiter
15 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $1.9 million
What he Provides: Nino Niederreiter gives solid minutes from a possession standpoint and finished fifth on the team in points with 43, including 20 goals for the second straight season.
Why he is Underrated: The New York Islanders outcast has improved every season for the Minnesota Wild but still doesn't have the offensive numbers that were expected of him as a first-round pick.
What he offers instead is shot metrics that many teams across the league would love to have from a third-line player who is capable of joining the top six if needed.
Montreal Canadiens: Paul Byron
16 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $1.167 million
What he Provides: Paul Byron is a solid third- or fourth-line center or winger who plays critical minutes on the penalty kill.
His speed makes him dangerous as a potential goal-scorer while shorthanded—he led the Montreal Canadiens with three shorties last year and finished with 11 goals and 18 points in 62 games.
Why he is Underrated: His team voted him as their unsung hero for 2015-16, so even they recognize his importance to the group.
His size and injury history have held him back from carving out a bigger role on his NHL path, but the 27-year-old has a couple more years on a three-year extension to prove he's the real deal as a depth role player.
Nashville Predators: Calle Jarnkrok
17 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $2 million
What he Provides: Calle Jarnkrok has plenty of potential as a top-six forward with the Nashville Predators. He is quick and skilled, and he has shown great defensive awareness and hockey sense in two full seasons with the team.
Why he is Underrated: Jarnkrok has yet to enjoy his offensive breakout, although he improved greatly on his seven-goal, 18-point rookie season with 30 points—including 16 goals—last year.
He is still a third-line player, but that could change as he develops and veterans move on from top-six roles. He has the skill to do so but still has to show his offensive skill more consistently.
New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider
18 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $6 million
What he Provides: Cory Schneider produces top-notch goaltending numbers that give the New Jersey Devils the ability to win games even without offensive support. He had a .924 save percentage and 2.15 goals-against average last year.
Why he is Underrated: This is another case where a superstar can still be considered underrated because the value he offers his team is essentially invaluable.
The Devils clung to hope of making the playoffs for more than half a season thanks to Schneider's stability, even with top offensive sniper Mike Cammalleri injured at a key time of year. The team scored the fewest goals of any in the league but were eighth-best at preventing them.
New York Islanders: Casey Cizikas
19 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $3.35 million
What he Provides: Casey Cizikas is a special player for the New York Islanders, blending toughness and tenacity with a knack for taking advantage of his opponents' weakest lines in head-to-head competition.
The 25-year-old had eight goals and a career-high 30 points last season on the Isles' fourth line.
Why he is Underrated: You don't come across a fourth-liner who can produce 30 points and nearly crack double digits in goals every day. Yet, many hockey fans probably still don't know how to pronounce his last name.
New York Rangers: Mika Zibanejad
20 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $2.625 million
What he Provides: Mika Zibanejad is a speedy center with back-to-back 20-goal seasons and a whole lot of upside that the New York Rangers should now enjoy after swapping Derick Brassard for the former Ottawa Senators prospect.
Zibanejad finished with a career-high 51 points last season.
Why he is Underrated: The 23-year-old is entering just his third full NHL season and still has plenty of untapped potential. He didn't take a big leap forward quickly enough for the Sens but could have his breakout season this year.
Ottawa Senators: Jean-Gabriel Pageau
21 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $900,000
What he Provides: Jean-Gabriel Pageau is quick and has shown a real knack for getting to the net despite his size.
He scored 19 goals and 43 points in his first full season a year ago and has provided the Ottawa Senators with some scoring depth and a more balanced attack.
Why he is Underrated: Pageau is a homegrown talent who came to the league without much fanfare and remains on an incredibly low-dollar contract.
He made his mark on special teams with a league-leading seven shorthanded goals last season and is one of the best bargains in the league based on his production and potential.
Philadelphia Flyers: Sean Couturier
22 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $4.334 million
What he Provides: Sean Couturier is a five-year veteran but is only 23 after starting his career as a teenager.
He had a breakout offensive season last year even though it was derailed by injury, posting 11 goals and 39 points in just 63 games. He's also a strong defensive center who gets tasked often with shutting down the opposition's best offensive weapons.
Why he is Underrated: Behind the likes of Claude Giroux and Brayden Schenn, Couturier has been overshadowed in Philly.
The injury a year ago ended what was an impressive pace that would have finished at 14 goals and 50 points for the second-line center.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Matt Cullen
23 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $1 million
What he Provides: Matt Cullen played a huge role on the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins—on and off the ice—which is why they made sure to re-sign the veteran this summer in the hopes of a repeat.
He is a fourth-line center capable of filling in on a higher line, which happened last year when Evgeni Malkin went down with injury on two separate occasions.
Why he is Underrated: Cullen doesn't put up flashy numbers, but at the age of 39, he finished with 16 goals and 32 points in 82 games. He took a low salary of $1 million to stick around, proving winning is more important than money to the character performer.
St. Louis Blues: Jake Allen
24 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $2.35 million
What he Provides: A quick glove hand is just one of Jake Allen's attributes in goal for the St. Louis Blues.
He is tall, lean and covers a lot of the net. He finished with a 26-15-3 record, .920 save percentage and 2.35 goals-against average.
Why he is Underrated: Allen is a bargain right now with his current cap hit, which will climb to $4.35 million with his extension kicking in next season.
He's taking over the starter's role on a full-time basis for the first time after sharing the crease with Brian Elliott the past few years, and some aren't sure he's capable of posting the impressive numbers he has on a consistent basis.
San Jose Sharks: David Schlemko
25 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $2.1 million
What he Provides: Having David Schlemko on a bottom pairing gives the San Jose Sharks one of the deepest blue lines in the league.
He's a strong puck-moving defenseman with experience who adds to an already mobile and quick group of Sharks.
Why he is Underrated: Schlemko was a well-kept secret during his first six years in the NHL with the Arizona Coyotes, but he has finally become a dependable rearguard after translating a rotational gig in Calgary with the Flames into a full-time role with the New Jersey Devils a year ago.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Jonathan Drouin
26 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $894,166
What he Provides: Jonathan Drouin is an electrifying winger who brings speed and raw talent to the Tampa Bay Lightning's top-six group of forwards.
In 21 regular-season games, he scored four goals and 10 points. In the playoffs, he added five goals and 14 points in 17 contests.
Why he is Underrated: A messy holdout kept him from playing a full year last season and put his future with the Bolts and in the NHL in jeopardy.
It shouldn't take long for him to prove he was worth the hassle this year if he lines up with Steven Stamkos.
Toronto Maple Leafs: James Van Riemsdyk
27 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $4.25 million
What he Provides: James van Riemsdyk has been a consistently productive member of the Toronto Maple Leafs when healthy the past four seasons. The big power winger has put together almost 90 goals in 250 contests for the Leafs.
Why he is Underrated: Although he hit the 30-goal mark two years ago with Phil Kessel by his side, van Riemsdyk is now playing on a rebuilding squad with a lot of work to do in the talent department.
An injury last season prevented the world from seeing what he could do as a leading man rather than a sidekick. This could be the year we see what he can do—if he can stay well.
Vancouver Canucks: Brandon Sutter
28 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $4.375 million
What he Provides: Brandon Sutter is a stellar shutdown center not unlike former Vancouver Canucks second-line pivot Ryan Kesler.
He has an offensive side, too; Sutter has twice scored 20 or more goals in the NHL and had one 40-point season.
Why he is Underrated: Sutter hasn't been consistent as an offensive player and although he was on track for another 20-goal, 40-point year in sporadic appearances last year between injuries, the 27-year-old ultimately only managed to play 20 games, finishing with five goals and nine points.
Washington Capitals: John Carlson
29 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: $3.967 million
What he Provides: John Carlson is everything Mike Green was offensively (or close to it) but twice as good on the defensive side of things.
Carlson was on his way to a Norris Trophy-worthy season last year with eight goals and 39 points in 56 games before an ankle injury.
Why he is Underrated: Green's presence in Washington meant less power-play time for Carlson, but the 26-year-old has thrived in the top role since Green departed as a free agent.
He hit the 50-point mark just once two seasons ago but could be one of the favorites for the Norris this year if he continues on the same path.
Winnipeg Jets: Jacob Trouba
30 of 30
2016-17 Salary Cap Hit: Restricted free agent (TBD)
What he Provides: Jacob Trouba is a big basher on the blue line, making entry into the Winnipeg Jets' zone a little less pleasant when he is on the ice.
He's also shown flashes of being offensively capable, flirting with 30 points as a rookie two years ago.
Why he is Underrated: He has managed just one full season so far and the results last year offensively were disappointing. Negotiations on his new contract are ongoing as a result of his confusing resume so far.
All stats via NHL.com and contracts from GeneralFanager.com.
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