Every new iteration of the Stanley Cup playoffs features a few surprise players who come out of nowhere to carry their teams. While the spotlight often falls on the usual suspects like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews, this year’s postseason has seen a handful of under-the-radar performers step up in major ways. 

Whether they're grizzled veterans defying age or depth players suddenly finding their offensive groove, these five names weren’t high on anyone’s radar entering the 2025 playoffs—but they’ve quickly become indispensable to their teams.

Corey Perry, RW, Edmonton Oilers

Some call him 'The Worm.' Others call him a savvy pest. Whatever his nickname, he’s a top-line player in these playoffs and doing amazing things at nearly 40 years old.

Corey Perry has shocked the hockey world by turning back the clock with a dominant start to the playoffs. With five goals and seven points through nine games, Perry has not only solidified a spot on Edmonton’s top line with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but also become one of the Oilers' most consistent playoff performers. He makes up one-third of the new Hart Line (former Hart Trophy Winners), and he doesn’t look out of place. 

In a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Vegas, Perry scored twice and looked every bit like the 30-50-goal scorer from his prime. In doing so, he became the oldest player in Oilers history to register a multi-goal playoff game, surpassing a record set back in 1984. As Paul Bissonnette quipped, “The worm Corey Perry is like hockey’s Benjamin Button.” 

Mason Appleton, C, Winnipeg Jets

Often known for his defensive responsibility and versatility, Mason Appleton has emerged as an unexpected offensive weapon for the Winnipeg Jets. Through the opening round, Appleton has tallied seven assists, the second most on the team, and has proven to be a critical piece of the Jets’ second line.

His breakout moment came in a standout performance where he racked up three assists, showing off a blend of vision and poise not typically associated with his game. At 29, Appleton has long been viewed as a role player, but this post-season, he’s rewritten that script with timely contributions and high-effort shifts.

Mikko Rantanen, RW, Dallas Stars

Mikko Rantanen has always been a star-caliber player, but few expected him to explode in the fashion he has for the Dallas Stars this postseason. Like a storyline from a movie, Rantanen delivered a hat trick in the third period of Game 7 to eliminate his former team, the Colorado Avalanche – a feat never before accomplished in NHL history.

There has been speculation that he sent a message to his old team as he skated by the bench, and insiders like Nick Kypreos claim Rantanen specifically chose the Stars because he wanted to rub it in on the Avs over the next eight seasons of his new extension. 

Now leading the Stars in goals, assists and game-winners in these playoffs, Rantanen has reasserted himself as one of the league’s elite scorers at the exact right time. Whether it’s motivation or pure dominance, he’s been nearly unstoppable and is making Dallas look like a true Cup contender.

Logan Thompson, G, Washington Capitals

After losing his starting role in Vegas, Logan Thompson was not expected to be a game-changer when he arrived in Washington. But through eight playoff games, he’s arguably been the Capitals’ MVP. With a .922 save percentage and 2.26 goals-against average while facing over 230 shots, Thompson has been a wall in net. Next to Tom Wilson, no one in Washington has had as much impact on the team’s playoff performances as Thompson has. 

He’s kept Washington alive in games they had no business being in and provided a calm, poised presence between the pipes. “I just feel good,” Thompson said. “I’m letting the puck come to me.” That mindset and his performance have been pivotal for the Caps.

Max Pacioretty, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

After an injury-riddled stretch of seasons, many wondered what Max Pacioretty had left in the tank. The answer? Plenty. With seven points in seven games, Pacioretty has tallied back-to-back-to-back multi-point games for the Maple Leafs and is emerging as a key factor in their playoff success.

He’s also providing veteran stability to a team loaded with high-end skill. For a player who came into the playoffs as more of a depth option, Pacioretty is quickly reminding fans why he was once among the league’s elite scorers.

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