This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
While we approach the end of the 82-game modified round-robin and await the wonders of the Cup chase, we must remember those who have surprised since October. Because in some of these cases, they're bound to fall off the mark.
The signs are pointing to these folks having a rougher go next season. Maybe not a full-blown collapse, but harder times appear on the horizon.
Like always, players discussed in recent review articles cannot be mentioned. So while we'd all like to include Nick Foligno in the inevitable falloff discussion, it won't happen here:
(And surprise, surprise: no goalies below.)
Trevor Daley, D, Dallas
With rookie John Klingberg (39 points in 62 games, including 11 on the man-advantage) fulfilling his destiny of power-play quarterback, other blueliners will be left out of the mix. No complaints about the 31-year-old Daley's contributions both on the scoresheet (36 in 65, 12 PPPs) and as a leader, but his moment in fantasy glory is fading. We could've included Alex Goligoski (36 in 79, eight PPPs) instead, but Daley ranks as the elder statesman (by two years) and the one with less offensive upside.
Michael Del Zotto, D, Philadelphia
After struggling to compete in Nashville (five in 25) or in his return to Broadway (11 in 42), the former Oshawa General has resurrected his game in Philly. Not only is he impressing in attack (32 in 61), but there's also a willingness to use his body for defensive purposes (146 hits, 110 blocked
While we approach the end of the 82-game modified round-robin and await the wonders of the Cup chase, we must remember those who have surprised since October. Because in some of these cases, they're bound to fall off the mark.
The signs are pointing to these folks having a rougher go next season. Maybe not a full-blown collapse, but harder times appear on the horizon.
Like always, players discussed in recent review articles cannot be mentioned. So while we'd all like to include Nick Foligno in the inevitable falloff discussion, it won't happen here:
(And surprise, surprise: no goalies below.)
Trevor Daley, D, Dallas
With rookie John Klingberg (39 points in 62 games, including 11 on the man-advantage) fulfilling his destiny of power-play quarterback, other blueliners will be left out of the mix. No complaints about the 31-year-old Daley's contributions both on the scoresheet (36 in 65, 12 PPPs) and as a leader, but his moment in fantasy glory is fading. We could've included Alex Goligoski (36 in 79, eight PPPs) instead, but Daley ranks as the elder statesman (by two years) and the one with less offensive upside.
Michael Del Zotto, D, Philadelphia
After struggling to compete in Nashville (five in 25) or in his return to Broadway (11 in 42), the former Oshawa General has resurrected his game in Philly. Not only is he impressing in attack (32 in 61), but there's also a willingness to use his body for defensive purposes (146 hits, 110 blocked shots). As a result, Del Zotto will cash in this summer signing a new multi-year contract. But if he doesn't have job security to chase, there's a chance he will revert to his old, lax habits.
Jiri Hudler, F, Calgary
Even if it didn't qualify for the playoffs, Calgary has to be one of the feel-good stories of 2014-15. A generally inexperienced group whose quick style and gritty effort have made it difficult for Western Conference opponents. One of the Flames more seasoned skaters is Hudler, who is concluding a career year (72 in 76, including 23 in March alone). The Czech winger has been steady over his career but nothing spectacular (peaked at 57 six seasons ago), so the obvious prediction would be for his output to decline.
Patrick Marleau, F, San Jose
Marleau has meant so much to the organization over his 17-year career (987 in 1326, all with SJ), but the Sharks may have to dump his $6.5 million salary if they opt to rebuild. Even with a recent surge (eight in seven), his overall game (minus-17) seems to have slipped a touch. He's 35, past his prime, but can still provide necessary offense -- just not top-tier numbers anymore. Regardless of where he ends up, those 70-plus point days will probably never return.
Frans Nielsen, F, NY Islanders
The recent success of the franchise has been built upon a young collection of forwards who are now excelling in the NHL. Ryan Strome (49 points), Brock Nelson (42) and Anders Lee (39) serve as the latest crop while OHL stars Michael Dal Colle (93 in 56) and Josh Ho-Sang (81 in 60) are primed to join in the near future. For those of a slightly older persuasion, like Nielsen (who turns 31 this month), the reality is regular minutes will be harder to come by. That means you can't expect the Dane (43, including 21 special-team points) to hold on to his prime all-around role forever.
((Dis)honorable mention: Bryan Little, F, Winnipeg; Andrei Markov, D, Montreal; Mike Ribeiro, F, Nashville; Anton Stralman, D, Tampa Bay; Alex Tanguay, F, Colorado)
And when the teams sort themselves out for postseason positioning, we'll have you ready for the playoffs. Because you can wait a little longer to start watching baseball.
