This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
While we highlighted a couple players set to improve last week, this final regular season column will feature those destined to take a hit in 2017-18.
A few of the following players will either decline due to age, a projected situation downgrade, or simply because they overachieved well beyond expectations this year. Circumstances may change in the coming months, but there is sufficient rationale to stay away from these forwards next fall:
Left Wing
Charlie Coyle, Minnesota
After three mediocre attempts (107 combined points from 2013-14 to 2015-16), Coyle has surpassed projections in his fourth full season (52 points, including a career-high eight on the power play). The power forward looks more relaxed on the ice, which happens when surrounded by great talent. Coyle experienced a couple prolonged lapses (eight in 24), although this coincided with the team's dropoff in play (only five wins in 18). His progression remains on an upward trajectory, but it's tempered by the fact there will be a lot of competition in Minnesota up front at every position.
Patrick Marleau, San Jose
At 37, Marleau's best days are obviously in the past. But that hasn't stopped him from continuing to produce at a decent level (46 points, 189 shots). It's unclear where the upcoming unrestricted free agent will play next year or if he'll retire. The smart money has Marleau staying in San Jose, since that's where he's spent his entire 19-year pro career. And if that's what he ultimately decides, it will
While we highlighted a couple players set to improve last week, this final regular season column will feature those destined to take a hit in 2017-18.
A few of the following players will either decline due to age, a projected situation downgrade, or simply because they overachieved well beyond expectations this year. Circumstances may change in the coming months, but there is sufficient rationale to stay away from these forwards next fall:
Left Wing
Charlie Coyle, Minnesota
After three mediocre attempts (107 combined points from 2013-14 to 2015-16), Coyle has surpassed projections in his fourth full season (52 points, including a career-high eight on the power play). The power forward looks more relaxed on the ice, which happens when surrounded by great talent. Coyle experienced a couple prolonged lapses (eight in 24), although this coincided with the team's dropoff in play (only five wins in 18). His progression remains on an upward trajectory, but it's tempered by the fact there will be a lot of competition in Minnesota up front at every position.
Patrick Marleau, San Jose
At 37, Marleau's best days are obviously in the past. But that hasn't stopped him from continuing to produce at a decent level (46 points, 189 shots). It's unclear where the upcoming unrestricted free agent will play next year or if he'll retire. The smart money has Marleau staying in San Jose, since that's where he's spent his entire 19-year pro career. And if that's what he ultimately decides, it will probably be his last tour, which is bound to consist of tearful goodbyes, public appearances, and diminished on-ice returns.
Kris Versteeg, Calgary
When looking at Versteeg's current power-play numbers (16 points while averaging 2:33 per game), it's amazing to think many clubs passed on him last summer. The stats aren't entirely surprising, considering who else is on the first unit and the fact he's done this before at various league stops (double-digit PPPs in Chicago, Toronto, and Florida). However, the reality reveals this won't be able to last and whatever team takes him on next season will probably not use him in the same way Calgary has.
Right Wing
Josh Bailey, NY Islanders
The ninth pick of 2008 has endured many hardships along the way. From the high expectations associated with immediately jumping from junior to the NHL to the numerous slumps that would follow, Bailey never had it easy. The last couple seasons have shown marked improvement, culminating in a career-high campaign (52 points, 170 shots). Isles coaches and management appear to be comfortable with Bailey, although you'd have to think it will be difficult for him to duplicate this type of run in the coming months.
Patrick Eaves, Anaheim
Eaves was acquired by the Ducks at the trade deadline and has perfectly filled a spot on the first line (11 points in 18 contests, including seven goals in his last eight). This follows his time in Dallas, where he regularly shared man-advantage minutes with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin (16 PPPs with the Stars). The veteran will most likely end the season in Anaheim as a rental, and will be hoping he can find his way to an offensive squad. Even if this happens, the problem is that most future suitors won't be able to pair Eaves with the type of elite talent to which he's been accustomed.
Radim Vrbata, Arizona
Vrbata's last stint in the Desert landed him a sizable deal in Vancouver (two years, $10 million signed in 2014). After a successful initial run with the Canucks (63 points), the Czech veteran fell off the map in season two (27 points, minus-30). He's been one of the few shining stars in Arizona (53 points), but there are better situations in other cities, as long as his 35-year old body can hold up. By returning to the Coyotes at a discount (inked a $1 million deal last August), Vrbata was able to show he can still play well. With a possible big contract coming, there won't be the need to prove anything.
Center
Tyler Bozak/Nazem Kadri, Toronto
Both Bozak (51) and Kadri (60) reached new personal point peaks working within a potent Leaf attack. But let's not kid ourselves: Auston Matthews (67) is the marquee center in Toronto. His responsibilities – which are already substantial – will only increase next season. And that means other pivots will end up losing prime minutes and/or special-teams duty. If we had to pick who will suffer more, Bozak earns the nod by virtue of Toronto's commitment to him (one more year at $4 million) as compared to Kadri (five years remaining at a $4.5 million average).
Sam Gagner, Columbus
After a solid bounce-back effort (from 16 points in 53 matches to 49 in 77), Gagner is set to earn a hefty raise in the free agent market. If the 27-year old doesn't stay in Columbus, then he'll probably land somewhere where his new contract will dictate a larger role. That may sound great in theory, but that's not how Gagner has succeeded this season. Time in the bottom six means less pressure, and that has translated to him performing significantly above his place on the depth chart. Moving to one of the top two lines in a different environment could end up hurting Gagner.
Jordan Staal, Carolina
With Victor Rask (16 goals, 27 assists) progressing in his third season, Staal (same stats as Rask) will eventually be pushed out of the No. 1 center gig. And it's not out of the question that the drop may end up going further, seeing how well Lucas Wallmark performed in the AHL (42 points in 64 games) and with recent North American arrival Aleksi Saarela (six in his first four) already making waves. It was tempting to include Eric Staal (61 in 79), but the eldest brother has the advantage of working with a superior supporting cast.
