Three players caught the hockey world off guard this season
Here's a top-3 of the biggest surprises in the NHL this year.
These three players were able to raise their game from several levels this year, they are major and obvious factors when we think of the success of their respective team.
3. Nazem Kadri
The Colorado Avalanche centre player has been asked to put on Nathan MacKinnon's shoes on a few occasions this season. He did so brilliantly. He currently ranks fourth in the NHL with 38 points, including 11 goals, in 24 games.
Generally, Kadri is an excellent second center player, but this season he's at a whole new level. He's just DO-MI-NANT. After a difficult start to the season, the Colorado Avalanche is slowly climbing the slope. The team is currently at the forefront of the draft teams and Nazem Kadri is a big part of the success of his club.
Another individual who had to take the reins of his troops with the absences of the big guns. Mark Stone, William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault and Max Pacioretty were all absent at one time this year and Stephenson didn't hesitate.
The centre player has accumulated 31 points, including 9 goals, in 31 games so far. It's used in all sauces at the Vegas Golden Knights. One could even say that he became an indispensable for Peter DeBoer's troupe. Not bad for a player who was acquired in return for a simple fifth round pick... The Capitals must bite their fingers.
1. Troy Terry
If there is one player who defeats the odds and knows a dream season, it is him. The 24-year-old American amassed 30 points, including 18 goals, in 31 games this year with the Anaheim Ducks.
The fifth round pick in 2015 even had a monstrous 16-consecutive games with at least one point. No one expected Terry to explode this way offensively, but we must say that this is a nice surprise for poolers. He gradually becomes one of the most versatile attackers in the NHL, he who is also very responsible defensively.
