In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the most underrated forwards in the Western Conference.
Todd Cordell
Winnipeg Jets forward Mathieu Perreault.
He's been a very solid point producer for years, especially at 5v5, and this season is no different. He's off to a fantastic start with 19 points in 24 games despite averaging just over 12 minutes a night and primarily playing with Matt Hendricks and Joel Armia.
Perreault is a big-time play driver, leads the Jets with a +6 penalty differential at 5v5, and only Jaden Schwartz, Nikita Kucherov, and John Tavares are averaging more points/60 this season.
This guy is fantastic and doesn't get nearly enough credit – or ice time.
Honorable mention goes to Ondrej Kase. At 5v5, he is 2nd on the Anaheim Ducks in points/60, 2nd in shots/60, and he's a good possession driver. He's quickly turned into a really important player.
James Tanner The Most underrated forward in the Western Conference, and possibly the NHL, is Nino Niederreiter. Niederreiter is one of the NHL's best defensive forwards. He is a possession monster, and last year his team got an extra twelve shot attempts per sixty minutes of ice time. He is an excellent 5v5 goal scorer and an elite defensive presence. I think he's one of the best players in the NHL and massively underappreciated.
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