30 Underappreciated Players, Part Two

...and continued

Nashville Predators

#20 Ryan Suter

I understand that Suter has a reputation as a very strong defenseman, but I also think it gets lost behind the brouhaha surrounding Shea Weber. Don't get me wrong, Weber is incredible, but Suter averages the most time on ice for his team in every situation. For a team that relies so heavily on its defense, that's important to note. He's quite gifted offensively as well. Easily one of the premier defenseman in the league. Nashville, good luck retaining both of these gentlemen.

New Jersey Devils

#5 Adam Larsson

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Craig Smith, Luke Adam and Matt Read are hogging the rookie spotlight this year with their point totals. It's too bad defense isn't valued as much in the media. Larsson stepped in this season as a 19-year old defenseman. This rarely happens! It's even more rare that a rookie defenseman leads his defensive squad in average ice time. He may only have nine points this year, but he hasn't missed a game and consistently shuts down opponents.

New York Islanders

#51 Frans Nielsen

Nielsen not only kills the majority of his team's penalties, but is an offensive threat in the process. This year hasn't been as successful as last year for the forward, or the Islanders in general, but I don't believe he's reached his potential yet. Aside from the top line, Nielsen is the most valuable forward on the team offensively. Defensively, he's the best.

New York Rangers

#5 Dan Girardi

This one was too easy. Girardi averages the most ice time IN THE LEAGUE. He also routinely ranks among the best in the game with his shot blocking abilities. He's not the first choice as an offensive weapon, but can definitely fill the role. Girardi does it all.

Ottawa Senators

#65 Erik Karlsson

It's tough not to select defensemen. It's also difficult not to mention ice time. At 21 and only $1.3 million, Karlsson is one of the best values in the league and easily the best defenseman on his team. Who's Sergei Gonchar? He's more of an offensive defenseman, but can definitely stop an opponents. He averages the most general and power play ice time among Senators.

Philadelphia Flyers

#27 Maxime Talbot

Talbot averages the most shorthanded time in the league for a forward by a full minute. That's obnoxious. It's obvious that the Flyers value his defensive prowess along with his shot blocking skills. Talbot is a tremendous two-way center and surely the Penguins are upset they didn't retain him.

Phoenix Coyotes

#15 Boyd Gordon

Much like Maxime Talbot, Gordon specializes in killing penalties. He averages the most shorthanded ice time on his team. Among forwards, he leads the league in blocked shots. Gordon is also fairly valuable offensively with 11 points and a plus-nine rating. Washington, why'd you give this guy up? Aren't you trying to focus more on defense?

Pittsburgh Penguins

#11 Jordan Staal

If you've read my posts in the past, you knew this was coming. I think Staal is one of the most underappreciated players in the league, let alone his team. When you play on a team with Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, it's almost impossible to crack the top two lines. On any other team, it would be no contest. Staal has all of the assets of a great NHL player. He kills penalties, makes smart decisions, uses his big frame, shoots hard and drives the net. What more could you want?

San Jose Sharks

#44 Marc-Edouard Vlasic

On a team synonymous with offense, it's easy to lose sight of the gifted defensive players. Vlasic pickles is a crucial component to his team's defensive squad. He doesn't receive a ton of power play time, but does lead the Sharks in shorthanded ice time. Oh yeah, he's also a plus-13 - almost double the next player on the team. Reliability? No problem.

St. Louis Blues

#17 Vladimir Sobotka

At only 24 years of age, Sobotka is being heavily relied upon for his defensive abilities. Among St. Louis forwards, he averages the most shorthanded ice time. He centers the third-line and plays a strong two-way game. Sobotka has offensive talent as well with ten points and a plus-eight rating. He wins 54% of his face-offs too. Not bad.

Tampa Bay Lightning

#44 Nate Thompson

Thompson has another last name: Boucher. His teammates gave him this nickname because the coach, Guy Boucher, likes his play so much. Thompson is another one of the league's excellent two-way centers. He may not have the most talent offensively, but he is relied upon at the most crucial moments of a game. Behind the superstars on the team, Thompson doesn't receive the recognition he deserves.

Toronto Maple Leafs

#3 Dion Phaneuf

I once labeled Phaneuf as one of the most overrated players in the league. My bad! Although as the captain he does get his recognition, he's still underappreciated. He plays in every situation more than any teammate. Power play, penalty kill, even strength - it doesn't matter. If your head is down in the neutral zone, say good night. Phaneuf also has a bomb of a shot. 

Vancouver Canucks

#23 Alexander Edler

This was another no-brainer. Edler leads his defensive squad in almost every category: ice time, points, shots, etc. He may not have the best plus/minus, but that's hard to maintain when you're consistently out against the opponent's top line. This season, Edler is on pace for a career year. Who needs Christian Ehrhoff?

Washington Capitals

#21 Brooks Laich

It was hard choosing between Jason Chimera and Laich. I picked Laich because Chimera is getting the attention he deserves this year. Laich is unfortunately lost behind the big names on his team like Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green. He kills the most penalties of any forward, but also is counted on for his power play minutes. Laich parks in front of the net, but can also skate and shoot. I didn't think the the organization would resign him, but kudos for doing so. He's going to be a valuable piece of this team moving forward.

Winnipeg Jets

#13 Kyle Wellwood

How Wellwood has been passed up by so many teams in his past is beyond me. He wins 58% of his face-offs and is the third on the team in points. He does this while receiving significantly less ice time than his teammates, especially on special teams. He works even strength. Wellwood has great playmaking abilities with his vision, but can also finish himself. 

There are so many more players in this league that deserve more credit! 

Who do you think is underappreciated?