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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for most underrated player on the Minnesota Wild.
Todd Cordell
Marcus Foligno.
Defense is often undervalued much more than offense – it’s easier to notice points and shots than defensive positioning – and Foligno is the perfect example of that.
His reputation is that of a solid depth player. In reality, he is one of the better defensive wingers in the league.
The Wild allowed fewer shots, chances, expected goals, goals, etc. with Foligno on the ice than any other player on the roster. That’s impressive considering the Wild are known for their stout defensive play.
Expanding the view league-wide, Foligno looks even better. Opponents generated only 6.66 Grade A chances per 60 minutes (5v5) against Foligno. That was the lowest rate in the NHL among 300 eligible forwards.
His chance suppression did translate into success on the scoreboard. The Wild only conceded 1.91 goals per 60 minutes with Foligno out there.
For perspective, the NHL’s No. 1 seeded Boston Bruins gave up 1.90 goals per 60. They’re fantastic defensively, have arguably the best line in the league, and two high-end goaltenders. The Wild were *that* good defensively with Foligno on the ice.
He was also scoring goals at a 15-goal pace, with all of his damage coming at 5v5, so it’s not as if he’s inept offensively.
Foligno is a rock solid player and should be given some consideration for the Selke.
James Tanner
Minnesota is the most difficult team in the NHL to select an undderrated player from because they have so many good candidates.
Obviously, Marcus Foligno is a great player, he is worth 2 wins per year consistently and most of that comes through defense, although he was well on his way to smashing his career high this year when the season was cancelled.
You can pretty much go down their roster. Mats Zuccarello is underrated. So is Ryan Hartman, Kevin Fiala and Jordan Greenway, Joel Eriksson Ek. Then their defense features Jared Spurgeon, who should be mentioned with guys like Dougie Hamilton and Alex Pietrangelo. Jonas Brodin is also really underrated
To be honest, if the Wild ever get even just halfway decent goaltending they could win the West.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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