A Non-Superstar You Loved (or Love) to Watch

[SCampo98]

The most exciting players in the NHL are almost always superstars (MacKinnon, Gaudreau, McDavid, etc.). Whose a player you loved, or still love, to watch (for any reason) that would not be considered a superstar.

For me, that player was Alex Semin. I always loved the way he played, especially in Washington. Something about the way he played always caught my excitement and interest, and it didn't hurt that he played with an all time great.

Who would be that player for any of you? I love hearing stories about players who aren't considered to be among the superstars of the league, I feel like there's not really any other places to hear these stories.

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[Kranix]

Mike Peca

 

[heretik27]

Of recent years, Joel Armia in his time with the Jets. Guy has all the tools, every once in a while he just puts it all together.

 

[JT Kreider]

Sean Avery. Made shit happen everytime he was on the ice. His offensive ability was super underrated.

 

[Beauner]

Johan Hedberg

 

[AzHawk]

any defencemen who regularly block shots

 

[Drake1588]

In his time with the Capitals, Ulf Dahlen was a treat to watch while working the half boards on the cycle.

 

[jetsforever]

Athanasiou currently

 

[Panda Bear]

Semin is a cheat response. Everyone knows he should have been a superstar with his skillset.

I'd go for Huselius. Filthy mitts and creativity.

 

[Black Kevin]

Rostislav Klesla - could've been a star but man did he have some bad luck.

 

[Brodeur]

Always enjoyed watching Simon Gagne despite him playing for a rival club for most of his career.

 

[GaryU]

Goin back some, Steve Larmer. A Great player.

 

[um]

Dan Girardi when he was a Ranger.

 

[Viqsi]

Jan Hejda. The hipchecks alone...

 

[MinimaMoralia]

MA Bergeron. Little guy with a heart of gold, a big shot, big hits, and big defensive lapses to keep things interesting whenever he was on the ice

 

[NHL WAR]

Watching Leo Komarov was a bright spot on some bad Leafs teams. He was over utilized on the 2016-17 and 17-18 playoff teams, but before that he was pretty fun... threw over 4 hits a game, chipped in some points and could chirp just about every player in their native language.

 

[Rodgerwilco]

I always really liked watching Matt Cullen play the game. Very well-rounded player, responsible everywhere on the ice and just a real Swiss Army knife type of guy.

On the defensive side I always liked shut-down guys like Scuderi and Doug Murray. That's the style that I play as a player, so I enjoyed watching them and helping to model my game after their style.

 

[Mandar]

Even though I am a long time NYR fan, I always loved to watch Danny Gare play for the Sabres. Not the biggest guy ever, but he played with heart & hustle more than most. A tough player who didnt hesitate to drop the gloves, and yet was a 2-time 50 goal scorer. Hope some older Sabre fans weigh in on this.....

 

[Saucechucker99]

Antoine Rousell when he played on the Stars. Went 100% every shift and entertaining fights.

 

[TheTotalPackage]

He was a superstar talent but never really considered a superstar, but I loved watching Alexei Kovalev. One of the greatest pure talents the league has ever seen, and also one of the most enigmatic.

A "lower lite", I'd go with Oleg Tverdovsky. (Love the Klesla mention above as well)

 

[Necrobutcher]

Brandon Tanev & Brian Boyle. Two hardworking grinders who actually have offensive talent as well. The don't shocwcase their skills so often which makes it more speacial when they do.

 

[super6646]

Brady Skjei. Big play man and a total beast on the ice.

Though ofc he is a superstar to me and always will be.

 

[Elite Grinder]

Rick Rypien RIP

 

[rotsbu]

Matt Calvert

 

[Bure80]

Maxim Afinogenov