As the NHL season nears its end, the excitement of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is just around the corner. It`s a good time to reflect on the 2024-25 season and identify the players who have truly stood out.
This week, we`re taking a look back at the season`s surprises, team performances, and successful player acquisitions. Here, we focus on players who have exceeded expectations and significantly contributed to their teams.
We`re not considering rookies for this list, as they have their own awards for outstanding first-year performance. Instead, we`re highlighting NHL veterans who have made significant strides in their performance, suggesting a new level of consistent excellence.
Jackson LaCombe, Defenseman, Anaheim Ducks
In December, the Ducks made strategic trades involving experienced defencemen, acquiring Jacob Trouba and trading Cam Fowler. This move aimed to create opportunities for younger players like LaCombe, who had been playing behind Fowler. LaCombe`s ice time increased significantly after these trades, jumping from an average of 18:40 minutes per game to 23:34.
After a rookie season with 17 points in 71 games, LaCombe`s potential became evident early in 2024-25. With increased ice time, his production soared, and he now ranks among the top-scoring defencemen in the NHL with 43 points in 73 games.
LaCombe is also notable for his offensive contribution at 5-on-5, being among the few defencemen with at least 10 goals this season. He is statistically close to top players like Zach Werenski and Cale Makar in terms of high danger scoring chances during 5-on-5 play.
LaCombe has one year remaining on his contract and could sign an extension starting July 1.
Jake Sanderson, Defenseman, Ottawa Senators
Sanderson has had a breakthrough season, significantly increasing his point production despite starting more shifts in the defensive zone than any other Ottawa defenceman.
Ottawa`s 5-on-5 offense has struggled, making their power play crucial for scoring. Sanderson has been a key contributor here, ranking among the top NHL defencemen in power-play goals and points.
His offensive development has complemented his already strong defensive play. Sanderson`s defensive abilities are also statistically impressive, ranking high among NHL defencemen in limiting expected goals against during 5-on-5 play, even outperforming players like Makar and Josh Morrissey.
Sanderson`s performance this season might earn him consideration for the Norris Trophy in the future. At 22, he has established himself as a player to watch.
Aleksei Protas, Left Wing, Washington Capitals
After a 29-point season, Protas signed a five-year extension with Washington. His performance this season has made that contract look incredibly valuable.
Protas is a key player for the Capitals at even strength, leading the team in even-strength scoring and averaging the second-most ice time among forwards. Remarkably, he`s achieved this without regular power-play time. His even-strength point total is among the league`s best, and he`s also high in primary assists at 5-on-5.
Despite his large size (six-foot-six, 247 pounds), Protas doesn`t rely on physicality alone. This young power forward, at just 24, is proving to be a valuable asset for the Capitals. One factor to consider is his high shooting percentage this season, which is significantly above his career average and could potentially regress.
Kirill Marchenko, Right Wing, Columbus Blue Jackets
Marchenko showed promise in his first full NHL season and started this season strong with 11 points in October. He continued this pace with 12 points in November, solidifying his breakout and becoming a key part of Columbus`s top lines early in the season.
Marchenko`s line combinations have been highly effective, controlling a significant percentage of shots and scoring chances when playing with teammates like Sean Monahan and Yegor Chinakov, and later with Dmitri Voronkov.
While Zach Werenski is Columbus`s top scorer, Marchenko has emerged as a star forward, scoring 31 goals and 72 points in 77 games. His shooting percentage is elevated but not drastically out of line with his previous season. Marchenko ranks high in the NHL for even-strength points and goals, confirming his breakout season.
Tristan Blackwood