|
Most underrated player on the Chicago Blackhawks? |
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for most underrated on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Todd Cordell
Connor Murphy.
Murphy is not going to give you much in terms of production, however, I think he’s about as good as it gets defensively for mid-tier blueliners. Put simply, opposing offenses enjoy much less success going up against Murphy than his teammates. That’s been the case for a long, long, time.
His teams (Arizona and now Chicago) gave up fewer expected goals – and high-danger shots – with Murphy than without in seven consecutive seasons. His impact on shots is similarly strong, posting a positive relative number five years in row.
He’s not flashy and, again, he’s not going to fill the scoresheet. Murphy’s value comes from defensive play, which is probably why he mostly goes unnoticed and doesn’t get a lot of fanfare.
Sean Maloughney
The young Alexander Nylander deserves some respect for a strong first season with the Blackhawks. Nylander's 26 points through 65 games is good by it's own merit, but all 10 of his goals were scored at even strength which put him tied for 5th in scoring on the Hawks.
Averaging just a hair over 12 minutes a night, Nylander played fewer minutes than any forward above him in point production. Between Kubalik, Dach, and Nylander, the Hawks have an impressive young core brewing once more.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
Recent posts
Most underrated player on the Colorado Avalanche?
Most underrated player on the Carolina Hurricanes?
Most underrated player on the Calgary Flames?
Most underrated player on the Boston Bruins?
Most underrated player on the Arizona Coyotes?
Most underrated player on the Anaheim Ducks?
Best player on the Winnipeg Jets?
Best player on the St. Louis Blues?
Best player on the San Jose Sharks?
Best player on the Philadelphia Flyers?
Best player on the Ottawa Senators?
Best player on the Calgary Flames?
Best player on the Boston Bruins?