Author Archives: Niko Liapis

Top 3 Most Disappointing NHL Players of the 2024-25 Season

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The regular season is over, its time to discuss who I thought had high expectations going into the season and ended up sucking. Let’s get into it!

1.

Elias Pettersson

As a player who is going to be officially listed as an $11.6 million player come July 1st, Elias Pettersson definitely didn’t show his worth this season. Pettersson came off an 89 point season in 2023-24 and was offered a new deal last March to make him the highest paid player in Canucks history with an 8 year $92.8 million deal. After signing his contract his production took a huge dip, and even bled into the Canucks two series playoff run where he scored 1 goal and had 5 assists in 13 games. Many fans and analysts were predicting him to come back strong in the 2024-25 season but to put it nicely, it was a disaster. Pettersson posted 15 goals and 30 assists in 64 games and struggled to find his consistency throughout the season. Now the Canucks have a decision to make, do they keep Pettersson and hope he turns it around, or do they involve him in a deal during free agency? Only time will tell.

2.

Alexis Lafrenière

Lafrenière had a terrific 2023-24 season and there were high hopes for him going into the 2024-25 season to make a big impact as the Rangers were looking to make another deep playoff push. That was definitely not the case. The Rangers failed to make the playoffs and had an overall horrific season finishing 11th in the Eastern conference. Lafrenière was one of many players on the Rangers who were underwhelming, ending the season with 45 points in 82 games. After coming off of a near 60 point season in 2023-24 the Rangers decided to sign Lafrenière to a 7 year $52.15 million deal, but after the season that has just passed things could be turned upside down to try and find a solution for next fall. The way the Rangers were dealing players left and right before the deadline leads me to believe they are willing to do anything in order to win, even if that means trading big players.

3.

Elias Lindholm

The Boston Bruins looked at the Canucks roster last free agency and decided to take both Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. Those acquisitions were meant to be add on’s  to an already talented roster, but my oh my did the Bruins ever suck this year. They finished 15th in the Eastern conference and let Brad Marchand go on deadline day, but the biggest disappointment for the Bruins had to be Elias Lindholm. The second Elias on this list was brought in to play the number one center role on Pastas line and was a ghost for the majority of the season. He posted a measly 47 points in 82 games as he failed to reach the 20 goal mark. Lindholm is under contract with the Bruins until 2031, where he will receive a total of $54.25 million over the duration of the deal. With the Bruins seemingly looking to rebuild, where would this leave a player like Lindholm whom many had high expectations for. I don’t know about you but I will definitely be paying very close attention to the Bruins this off season.

Who do you think had the worst season? Let me know in the comment section down below!

Top 5 NHL UFA’s

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Although it might be a bit early to talk about, I don’t care. I’m going to give you my top 5 pending UFA’s who will be up for grabs on July 1st. Lets get into it!

Mitch Marner

Even though Mitch Marner still cant grow a beard, he can definitely play some unreal hockey. Marner finished the regular season with 102 points, which is his best point tally thus far. Marner was also one of the standout players for Canada in the 4 Nations Faceoff, where he helped bring home the gold for the boys in red. Marner is looking to get signed to a big contract this summer, whether that is with the Leafs, I guess we will have to find out. Wherever Mitch ends up he deserves to get paid.

2.

John Tavares

On to Big Johnny T. Tavares has now entered his crafty veteran era, the 34 year old is still putting up numbers even though he isn’t getting any younger. Big John ended the season with 74 points, and is already making an impact in the playoffs with 4 points in 2 games. Depending on what teams need he could easily slot in as a first or second line center on any NHL team. Whatever happens with Tavares and the Leafs come July 1st, any team would happily take a guy like Tavares on their roster for next season.

3.

Nikolaj Ehlers

If only I had LAJ at the end of my name, Nikolaj and I would have the same name. Anyway this Danish stud is on the market this free agency, what should teams expect? The speedy winger is the definition of consistency, his ability to gain the offensive zone and attack the net has been crucial to the success of the Winnipeg Jets as he helped them finish at the top of the NHL standings. Their have been rumors of a change in scenery for Ehlers, and I know a lot of teams will be in a bid war for this guys signature in July.

4.

Brock Boeser

There is no doubt the Canucks definitely struggled this season. Even though there were a lot of negatives there were also a lot of positives, One of them being Brock the Brockstar Boeser. In 75 games played this season he tallied 50 points, with 25 goals and 25 assists. In the 2023-24 season the Canucks were one of the best teams in the NHL and Boeser had a huge part to play in that, contributing a team leading 40 goals and a career best in points with 73. With Boeser and the Canucks seemingly in agreeance to part ways, it looks like Brock’s time in Vancouver is up. I’m definitely not crying right now. All I ask is that he takes it easy on us when he plays against the Canucks next fall.

5.

Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad will be on the top of many teams lists going into the summer. The 6’4″ 220 lb Ontario native has been among the best defenceman in the league for quite some time and has been a big piece in the Panthers success these past few years. Ekblad shoots right, and in the NHL finding a good right handed D man is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Although Ekblad is still currently serving his 20 game suspension for being caught taking performance-enhancing drugs back in March, I still believe many teams will be very interested in acquiring the talented 29 year old.

Where do you think all of these players will end up? Let me know in the comment section down below!

Top 3 Hart Trophy Candidates

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With the regular season now over and the playoffs in full effect, it’s time to discuss my top 3 picks to win the Hart trophy. Let’s get into it.

1.

Nathan MacKinnon

Nathan MacKinonn has been the leading force to the Avalanches success this season, he is an absolute offensive monster and when he steps onto the ice the opposition knows something is about to go down. MacKinnon is known for his goal scoring ability, but slightly put that on the back burner this season. He scored 32 goals this season which is still a great tally, but it’s his 84 assists that stands out most to me. He put himself aside and started facilitating plays and creating opportunities for his teammates to thrive, which is what a true leader does. With the Avalanche looking like a weapon in the playoffs so far, MacKinnon could have a chance at a historic season for himself, winning back to back Hart trophies and most importantly adding another Stanley cup to his trophy cabinet. 

  1. Leon Draisaitl 

Well I can’t tell you enough how much I dislike this fellow being a Vancouverite, but I must admit he is one hell of a player. Draisiatl was born to score goals, so much so he decided to pick the hardest and most acute angle on the ice to be named his “shot spot” just to give himself a bit of a challenge. He led the NHL in scoring this season, lighting the lamp 52 times and was a standout player for the Oilers this season. He will be a key piece for this Edmonton team in the playoffs as they try to replicate the Stanley Cup finals run they made last season.

 

Nikita Kucherov

The straight faced assassin quietly had another incredible season, finishing with the most points in the league with 121. Kucherov has been easily one of the most skilled players in the league since entering in the 2013-14 season. Big, fast, and strong Nikita has all the ingredients of a phenomenal winger. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Kucherov take on the defending Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers in round one, which will be a guaranteed barn burner of a series and he will be a key factor in their success, not only in this series but to also bring the Cup back to Tampa.

 

What did you think of my list? Let me know if I missed anyone in the comment section down below!

Top 5 Contenders for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

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With the playoffs starting on Saturday, what a perfect time to discuss my top 5 teams who are most likely to hoist Lord Stanley this June. Lets get into it.

1.

Colorado Avalanche

Nate dog and the Avalanche are looking scary this year, they broke the hockey world with one of the biggest trades I have seen in a long time dealing Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for Martin Nečas. With captain Gabriel Landeskog coming back for the first time in 3 years, Mackinnon ripping it up will 116 points this season, and Makar being the favourite for the Norris, the Avs are definitely a team you should have your eye on.

2.

Florida Panthers

The defending Stanley Cup champs are back and scummier than ever. Adding Brad Marchand at the trade deadline, the weasel and Sam Bennet will be terrorizing their opponents in every single game. Speaking of terrorizing lets not forget they have arguably the best 2 way center in the league in Aleksander Barkov, who proved to be an instrumental piece in last years cup run. Matthew Tkachuk who can score goals, dish out some of the best trash talk in the league, and never shy’s away from a scrap, this team has back to back champs written all over it.

3.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights are one of those teams you can never count out. Ever since entering the league in 2017, they have consistently been one of the best teams in the NHL each season. You know the Knights mean business when Mark Stone gets added to the teams LTIR. With the depth and playoff experience this team has they will definitely be a dark horse coming out of the west, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they swept the Minnesota Wild in round 1.

4.

Tampa Bay Lightning

There must be something in the water in Florida because both of their teams are red hot this year. Nikita Kucherov has to be one of the scariest players in the league. This man is casually putting up 100+ point seasons 3 years straight, and I don’t think I’ve seen him smile once. like actually, does this dude even like playing hockey? This team is filled to the brim with playoff experience and no matter where they finish in the regular season everyone knows this team is a serious threat in the playoffs.

5.

Dallas Stars

The Stars has to have the most stacked forward group in the NHL, sometimes I look at the amount of talent this team has and it baffles me how they haven’t already won a cup with the group they have. With the absolute daylight robbery of Mikko Rantanen from the Hurricanes at the deadline, the pressure is on for them to win this year and are a lot of peoples favourites going into the playoffs. Why do I have them at number 5 you ask? Personally I’m not convinced they can go all the way, I’m sure you think I am crazy, but I guess we will see what happens in round one against the Avalanche.

Let me know what you think of my picks, do you agree or did I get it all wrong? Let me know down in the comments!

 

 

Top 5 NHL Rookies

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Alright ladies and gentlemen today we are going to be discussing the top 5 rookies of the 2024-25 season, and who is most likely to win the Calder. Let’s get into it.

Macklin Celebrini

Starting off with Vancouver’s very own Macklin Celebrini. The Mack attack has had an outstanding start to his NHL career posting 64 points in 69 games, with 25 goals and 38 assists. Although the San Jose Sharks have been abysmal once again this season he has been a true spark for Sharks fans and has definitely ignited some hope for the future of this franchise.

Dustin Wolf

On to our second rookie, Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf. Wolf has had a stand out season with a Flames team that has fought to be in a playoff spot all season with him being one of the key pieces to the puzzle. In his 53 games this season he has posted 29 wins with 3 shutouts and a GAA of 2.64 and a save percentage of .910. The Flames have now been officially eliminated from the playoffs but the future is looking bright between the sticks in Calgary.

Lane Hutson

Up next, Canadiens de Montréal rising star Lane Hutson. The 21 year old defenceman has taken the league by surprise with his agile skating ability and elite hockey IQ, and is one of the biggest reasons for the Habs playoff push as the season is closing out. Hutson has put up 65 points in 81 games this season with 6 goals and 59 assists. With a win tonight over the Hurricanes the Canadians will clinch a playoff spot for the first time since they went to the Stanley Cup final in 2021.

Matvei Michkov

Now onto the Russian stud Matvei Michkov. Mr. Michkov is definitely not the biggest guy but that has not mattered for him this season. The Philadelphia Flyers winger has posted 60 points in 79 games this season, with 24 goals and 36 assists and is looking to be an up and coming star for this organization.

Will Smith

Last but certainly not least Will Smith, no I’m not talking about the actor Will Smith, I’m talking about the rookie centerman for the San Jose Sharks. Well would you look at that the Sharks have two rookies that made my list. Smith has had a very decent rookie campaign posting 45 points in 73 games, with 18 goals and 27 assists he has shown glimpses of the great hockey he is capable of. Being only 20 years old the Sharks seem to have another star in the making on their hands.

Let me know who you think is going to win the 2025 Calder Memorial Trophy down below!

 

Quinn Hughes Ties Canucks Points Record For a Defencemen

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Well wouldn’t you believe it, Quinn Hughes has done it again. Just after I thought this kid couldn’t get any better he surprises me once again. He is now one point off having the all time record for points as a Canucks defenceman. Lets get into it.

Although the Canucks have been eliminated from the 2025 Stanley cup playoffs, that hasn’t stopped Quinn Hughes from showing up night in and night out and performing at an elite level each time he steps onto the ice.

The Canucks have had a season they would love to forget, from Miller and Pettersson drama, countless injuries, and a lack of consistency throughout the season, the Canucks have basically seemed destined for failure ever since they gave up a three goal lead to the Calgary flames on opening night. Captain Quinn Hughes has been the biggest bright side for the Canucks this season. Hughes has posted 76 points in 67 games this season with 16 goals and 60 assists. After last nights assist, he has now tied Alex Edlers record for most points as a Canucks defencemen with 409.

The Canucks captain is still only 25 years old and has tied the record playing in only 432 Career games. That is 493 fewer games than Alex Edler has played. That is a 0.946 points per game percentage in his career for all the stat lovers out there.

Hughes hasn’t had everything go his way this season either. He’s missed 14 games this season due to a few different injuries and resting purposes due to his extended minutes desperately trying to carry this team on his back to the playoffs, but has ultimately proven to be too tall of a task for the defencemen.

Hughes was the winner of the Norris trophy in the 2024 season and is also in the conversation for this years award where the race has seemingly been centered around  three of the NHL’s most elite defenceman in Zachary Werenski, Cale Makar, and of course Quinn Hughes. Although Makar Leads the three of them in points, he has also played 13 more games than Hughes which could be a deciding factor when it comes down to the final votes of the 2025 Norris trophy winner.

With Hughes’s contract with the Canucks expiring at the end of the 2026-27 season, it seems like it may be convince Quinn Hughes time for the Canucks management. Personally I say pay him whatever he wants, he is a one of a kind player and we cannot afford to lose him.

What changes would you like to see within the Canucks locker room next season? Do you think Quinn Hughes will sign a new contract in Vancouver?

Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think!