In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for most underrated player on the New York Rangers.
Todd Cordell
Pavel Buchnevich.
With usage increasing in three consecutive seasons, he is slowly but surely starting to get the ice time he deserves. The returns are very encouraging. Buchnevich just put up 46 points in 68 games, which equates to 55 points over a full schedule.
Most of Buchnevich’s damage was done at 5v5, where he accumulated as many or more points than Mitch Marner, Blake Wheeler, Taylor Hall, Johnny Gaudreau, John Tavares, and Claude Giroux. That’s no small feat.
I understand Buchnevich played in quality situations – his most frequent linemates were Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider – but this wasn’t even his best year in terms of points per minute. He has also *always* positively impacted New York’s share of shot attempts and goals. It’s nothing new.
While people are starting to pay more attention to Buchnevich, I still don’t think most realize how good he is.
Sean Maloughney Filip Chytil.
The sophomore NHL player scored 23 points this year, identical to his first season, albeit in 15 fewer games. His bump in ice time (roughly an extra minute a game) helped him produce 14-9-23. 13 of his goals came at even strength.
Specifically what I want to talk about in regards to Chytil, is how his defensive game improved this year in contrast to his rookie season. Through the 18/19 season, Chytil ranked 17th on his team in xGF% (46.49) and 14th in CF% (45.87). This season Chytil ranked 9th in CF% (47.74) but more impressively ranked 6th in xGF% (48.53%). These aren't world beater numbers but they do represent significant growth in the player.
Chytil may not have the pedigree of a future star like Kaapo Kakko but the 20 year old has shown he has the potential to be a long term top 6 forward in this league.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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