Why players like Nikita Kucherov and David Pastrnak deserved to have a TOTY card.
Why players like Nikita Kucherov and David Pastrnak deserved to have a TOTY card.
In my most recent article, I discussed the winners of EA Sports NHL 24 Men's Team of the Year. Representatives from the Professional Hockey Writers Association vote on the first and second-team all-stars at the end of each regular season. I took a look at which players would've made up a second Team of the Year if there was one.
NHL 24 Second TOTY:
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Honourable mentions to Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars. Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks. Alexander Georgiev, Colorado Avalanche.
Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
There's no denying that Kucherov is one of the best playmakers in the NHL. His deceptive fake-shot passes get defenders every time. Since entering the league in 2013-2014, he sits fifth in points with 801 in 687 games, has two 80+ assists seasons, and has put up 160 points in 142 playoff games along with his two Stanley Cup wins with the Lightning.
Kucherov has clearly been Tampa Bay's MVP thus far this season as his 72 points are 28 more than second place on his team.
David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
Did Pastrnak record the quietest 60-goal campaign in league history? McDavid's historical season stole the limelight from him, but Pastrnak has continued his goal-scoring ways and is on pace for another 50-goal season. He's been carrying the load offensively for the Bruins this year and has been living up to his new $90-million contract that he signed last year in March. His 87 goals are the most in the last year and a half.
Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Draisaitl finished last year right behind his counterpart in Edmonton while recording his third 50-goal season. Though McDavid finished with more points than Draisaitl in the playoffs last year, he was arguably the better playoff performer, and his 13 goals were tied for first despite getting bounced in the second round. He's put up a ridiculous 50 points in only 28 games in the last two playoffs.
It's been a rather quiet season for him up to this point in terms of his production, though he is still on pace for another point per game season and has 42 games left to pot 29 goals for his third straight 50-goal season.
Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks/Pittsburgh Penguins
I was shocked when Karlsson wasn't named to EA Sports NHL 24 Men's Team of the Year. I understand he's not the most prestigious defensive defenceman. However, he was the first blueliner to record a 100-point season since Brain Leetch did in 1991-1992. He carried a brutal San Jose Sharks team offensively last year.
Traded to Pittsburgh in the summertime, it has been an adjustment for Karlsson. He's currently outside of the top 10 in defenceman scoring, and a big reason for that is the Penguins 29th ranked powerplay.
Brandon Montour, Florida Panthers
A player like Quinn Hughes may deserve to be here instead of Montour, but I chose him due to his incredible playoff performance. Montour was Florida's best defenceman last year. His TOI/GP (26:58) led his team on their run to the Stanley Cup Final, and his 8 goals led all defencemen. His regular season was nothing to shy away from either. He set career highs in goals (16), assists (57), and even penalty minutes with a surprising 107.
Montour showcased that not only is he an offensive threat from the backend, but he will also play a physical, feisty game that caters to playoff hockey.
Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Hellebuyck was a lone bright spot for what was an up-and-down season for the Jets last year. He finished with the most games started (64), third in wins (37), second in saves, and T-4 in SV% (.920) amongst goalies with 25 or more games played. The Jets have turned their team around and look like one of the best teams in the league. Hellebuyck has carried on with his dominant play in the crease and is currently the front-runner for the Vezina as of today.
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