All of these players have contributed significantly to their new clubs. Here are my picks for the best of the best, NHL 2023-24.
The NHL All-Star Game is quickly approaching. And, to be fair, it’s hard to believe we’re already at this point in the season. It feels like the Vegas Golden Knights hoisted the Stanley Cup just a few weeks ago. As is the case with every campaign, all the teams in the league boast a different look, no matter how small, with several teams adding players or coaches who have been standouts so far. Let’s look at the top 10 who qualify in that regard.
Gabriel Vilardi (photo, NFL.com)
Gabriel Vilardi. The Winnipeg Jets landed Gabriel Vilardi in a trade that saw Pierre-Luc Dubois join the Los Angeles Kings in June. The Jets are all the better for it, as he has been scoring at a sensational rate and has boosted the team’s attack, making it way more formidable. The center has contributed 20 points from his 26 appearances this season, having scored 11 goals and assisted nine.
Teddy Blueger. Teddy Blueger is thriving in Vancouver with the Canucks, who have gotten the best out of him. Blueger is well on track to top his career highs as he looks at home in his new team’s offensive system. The 29-year-old seems just the sort of depth player you’d want to sign for a long run in the postseason and is proving to be just that.
James van Riemsdyk. The Boston Bruins can feel good about the business they did that allowed them to acquire James van Riemsdyk. The veteran winger came in on a one-year deal and is proving his worth as a top-five scorer for the Bruins. His versatility in attack makes him a major asset, as he can play just about anywhere and is always good for a goal or two.
Sebastian Aho (photo courtesy NHLPA.com)
Sebastian Aho. The Carolina Hurricanes made a strategic move by signing Sebastian Aho to the largest deal in franchise history, reflecting the evolving sports scene in North Carolina, especially with the launch of online sports betting. Aho, 26, leads the team in goals, assists, and points, making him a central figure in the Hurricanes’ lineup and a key player to watch for sports betting enthusiasts in North Carolina. This eight-year, $78 million deal secures a top talent for the Hurricanes and coincides with the state’s growing interest in sports betting. Aho’s performances will likely influence betting trends, adding an exciting dimension to North Carolina fan engagement and sports culture. As online sports betting in NC gains momentum, Aho’s significant role in the team and his impact on the ice will remain a focal point for fans.
Jonathan Drouin. The Colorado Avalanche brought Jonathan Drouin in on a one-year deal worth $825,000, and he’s turned out to be great value for money as a reunion with former junior hockey teammate Nathan McKinnon, as well as the Avalanche’s high offensive standards, have the Canadian left winger playing at his best. McKinnon has faith in the 28-year-old, who he says hasn’t reached his full potential in Colorado yet.
Evan Rodrigues. The Florida Panthers signed Evan Rodrigues to a four-year deal in the offseason, and he’s been making quite the case for himself given that he’s had lots of playing time, which is perhaps surprising. He’s looked quite impressive playing alongside some top offensive teammates in Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov, scoring seven goals and assisting 20 in his 45 appearances.
Sam Steel. Sam Steel, a 25-year-old center for the Dallas Stars, has provided some great depth for his new team, and, as his name suggests, he was quite a steal. The Stars picked him up on a one-year deal worth $850,000 after the Minnesota Wild failed to extend a qualifying offer in June. He has contributed with both physicality and scoring in what boasts the markings of a beneficial coming together.
Ryan Poehling (photo courtesy NBC4, WCMH TV)
Ryan Poehling. When Philadelphia signed Ryan Poehling to a one-year deal during the offseason, they were not expecting a savior. However, they did manage to secure a reliable forward who has played consistently well throughout the season. A quiet contributor and a valuable depth piece, Poehling’s love for Philadelphia and its fans is what sets him apart and makes him an important source of energy for the team. The fans love him right back.
Cam Talbot. The Kings made a wise choice in selecting Cam Talbot as their new No. 1 goalkeeper. Despite being 36 years old, Talbot has been consistently solid, which has helped the Kings achieve a fantastic start to the season. In recognition of his impressive performance, Talbot has gotten an All-Star nomination and is currently among the top 10 starters in most of the league’s statistical categories.
Alex DeBrincat. When Detroit traded for and signed DeBrincat last year, they were confident that he would be a game-changer, and he has proven them right. DeBrincat has been exceptional, leading the team in points as their joint top scorer and even persuading Patrick Kane to join the Red Wings. He is a versatile player who can do everything and has been doing so for most of the season.
