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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for most underrated player on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Todd Cordell

I think he may be more forgotten than underrated but I’m going to go with Ilya Mikheyev anyway.

The 25-year-old winger made quite the impression prior to being sidelined with a severe hand injury. He was producing points at an elite rate, leading the Maple Leafs with 2.44 per 60 minutes of play. That’s no small feat considering some of the superstars on the roster.

Mikheyev was also a high-end shot generator – only Auston Matthews (barely) generated shots at a higher rate – and somebody who could create for himself.

Importantly, Mikheyev was not an empty calorie point producer. The Leafs have enough guys to produce so they need other goods brought to the table as well. Mikheyev provided them. The Maple Leafs controlled 53.48% of the attempts and 53.02% of the expected goals with him on the ice.

Toronto generally controlled the run of play, and out-scored opponents, with Mikheyev out there and he was a big reason why.

Beyond the impressive impact Mikheyev made at 5v5, he also established himself as one of the better penalty killers on the roster.

I think people will quickly realize what kind of impact he can make come playoff time.

James Tanner

There is only one real candidate for the title of most underrated Leafs player, and that is Alex Kerfoot. Kerfoot is unpopular because he was traded for the team's most popular player and he plays a style of game that does not get anyone excitied.

Kerfoot is fast, but he doesn't impress you with highlight reel plays, and he doesn't hit anyone or do any of the things that people mistake for effort or defense.

But he does a ton of small non-highlight reel things that add up to a player who is way more effective than it would appear. Kerfoot is the Leafs best defender, and his 5v5 GAR (Goals Above Replacement) for defense is better than 75% of the NHL, including all of his teammates.

Overall, this year he was worth 1.4 WAR, which is very good. He scored at the same rate as John Tavares (high end second line rates) and he can play both wing and centre. He is a positive in Corsi, Shots, Scoring Chances and Expected Goals percentage.

Kerfoot is effective, and he's extremely underrated. He's also significantly younger and cheaper than Kadri. Underrated player, underrated trade.

numbers via naturalstattrick.com and @JFreshHockey (Twitter)

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