Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for most underrated player on the Montreal Canadiens.
Todd Cordell
Artturi Lehkonen.
Lehkonen’s counting stats don’t pop off the page – and never really have – but I think it’s due to a lack of opportunity more so than a reflection of his talent. He is a really skilled, and efficient, winger.
At 5v5 Lehkonen has out-produced Alexander Radulov, Evander Kane, Gabriel Landeskog and Mike Hoffman, among others, on a points per minute basis since the beginning of the 2018-19 season.
If you wish to look at raw volume, Lehkonen has as many or more 5v5 points than Hoffman, Radulov, Tom Wilson, Jason Zucker, Tyler Toffoli and Clayton Keller during that time. Not bad for a guy who ranked 9th among forwards on his own team in average time on ice per game.
The Canadiens have controlled 57% of the chances, and out-scored opponents by 14, with Lehkonen on the ice over the last ~two seasons. It’s not like he is an empty-calorie point producer; he helps his team get results.
I think he is a really solid player and – like Andre Burakovsky – has potential to really pop if given more minutes in the right situation.
Sean Maloughney
Joel Armia.
The 27 year old forward was used as a jack of all trades for the Canadiens this season. He averaged 1:36 a night on the PK and scored 3 short handed goals this season, the most on his roster. He played 2:01 a night on average on the PP and finished tied for third on the team in power play goals. On top of all of that, he was still a strong producer at even strength, scoring another 10 goals at 5 on 5.
He also led all forwards for the Canadiens this season in hits with 146 and finished 4th among forwards on his team in shots, despite missing 13 games. He was a solid complimentary forward and was a useful option by his coach in the top 6.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
Recent posts
Most underrated player on the Florida Panthers?
Most underrated player on the Edmonton Oilers?
Most underrated player on the Detroit Red Wings?
Most underrated player on the Columbus Blue Jackets?
Most underrated player on the Chicago Blackhawks?
Most underrated player on the Colorado Avalanche?
Most underrated player on the Carolina Hurricanes?
Most underrated player on the Calgary Flames?
Most underrated player on the Boston Bruins?
Most underrated player on the Arizona Coyotes?
Most underrated player on the Anaheim Ducks?
Join the Discussion:
»