What Player Is the Most Important to Their Team?

[RGM81]

While Cammy has been struggling of late, he does still bring an offensive dynamic to the team that most of the other guys just do not.

Plekanec is another guy that I would consider for that spot. He does everything and he does it all very well. There are some nights where I think that without him the offence just wouldn't have anything going.

[JoexBondo]

One thing I can say is Tim Thomas for the Bruins. The B's are the Leafs this year without him, hes won about 10 games himself.

[Footnote75]

Would have to say Weiss for Florida these days.

[Pens-fan-addict]

My 2 pence.

Atlantic
Pittsburgh: Kris Letang (Talbot is a close second)

I definately Agree...Especially about Talbot.....not a huge goal scorer...but is definately the workhorse of the team.

[SkyFire47]

Eastern Conference

Atlantic
Pittsburg: Sidney Crosby C
Philadelphia: Chris Pronger D
NY Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist G
NY Islanders: Mark Streit D
New Jersey: Martin Brodeur G

Northeast
Boston: Tim Thomas G
Montreal: Michael Camalleri LW
Buffalo: Ryan Miller G
Ottawa: Daniel Alfredsson RW
Toronto: Kris Versteeg RW

Southeast
Tampa Bay: Steven Stamkos C
Washington: Alexander Ovechkin LW
Atlanta: Dustin Byfuglien D
Carolina: Eric Staal C
Florida: Tomas Vokoun G

Western Conference

Central
Detroit: Nick Lidstrom D
St. Louis: Jaroslav Halak G
Nashville: Shea Weber D
Chicago: Jonathan Toews C
Columbus: Rick Nash RW

Northwest
Vancouver: Henrik Sedin C
Colorado: Paul Statsny C
Minnesota: Mikko Koivu C
Calgary: Jarome Iginla C
Edmonton: Ryan Whitney D

Pacific
Dallas: Brad Richards C
San Jose: Joe Thorton C
Phoenix: Ilya Bryzgalov G
Anaheim: Corey Perry RW
Los Angeles: Anze Kopitar C

[Craig2]

I'd have to say that anyone who doesn't pick Pavelec for the Thrashers probably hasn't watched many of their games this season.......without him, they'd be done already. I've probably seen every one of his starts, and I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that without him they'd have at least 10 fewer points.

I like Byfuglien and Enstrom in the offensive zone, but I don't know how many times I've seen them let players get behind them for clean breaks, or where I've seen them just running around in their own end. I believe Pavelec has been more valuable to his team this season than any other goaltender, including Lundqvist (of whom I'm a huge fan).

[flemingc04]

Great topic! Here are my picks.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic
Pittsburg: Sidney Crosby
Philadelphia: Chris Pronger
NY Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist
NY Islanders: John Tavares
New Jersey: Patrik Elias or Jason Arnott (it's a toss-up for me based on longevity with the team, experience, and dedication)

Northeast
Boston: Zdeno Chara
Montreal: Michael Camalleri
Buffalo: Ryan Miller
Ottawa: Daniel Alfredsson
Toronto: I find this one the most interesting (maybe because I'm a Leafs fan). Ideally, I would say nobody is irreplaceable on the Leafs, but if I had to pick, I'd go with Tomas Kaberle. Aside from his stats, he has great character and a passion to play and still has a passion for the Leafs. Even after the never ending summer of trade speculation, he still stays positive in public light. Plus he's been on the team his entire career (longer than anybody else on the roster) and if he had his choice, he would likely play out the rest of his career here.

Southeast
Tampa Bay: Martin St. Louis - the common denominator between Lecavalier's & Stamkos' success
Washington: Alexander Ovechkin
Atlanta: Dustin Byfuglien
Carolina: Eric Staal
Florida: Tomas Vokoun

Western Conference

Central
Detroit: Nicklas Lidstrom
St. Louis: David Backes
Nashville: Shea Weber
Chicago: Jonathan Toews
Columbus: Rick Nash

Northwest
Vancouver: Henrik Sedin
Colorado: Paul Stastny
Minnesota: Mikko Koivu
Calgary: Jarome Iginla - Falls in a category with guys like Ryan Smyth (Edmonton) and Gary Roberts (Toronto). Has a deep passion for the game and Iginla knows how to really lead a team on and off the ice.
Edmonton: Ales Hemsky

Pacific
Dallas: Brendan Morrow
San Jose: Joe Thorton
Phoenix: Shane Doan
Anaheim: Ryan Getzlaf
Los Angeles: Anze Kopitar

[centrehice]

If these 3 guys were never available, their teams would be dreadful:

Crosby
Ovechkin
Thomas

Every other team could adjust. These 3 teams would probably tank it.

[marekschwarz33]

Anyone who put Jaroslav Halak as the Blues most important player... From what I've seen this this season, no. In a couple years? Possibly. However, based on his play THIS season (not last year's playoffs) he has been only slightly above average. He still needs to improve his glove hand and rebound control before he can be considered a truely elite NHL goalie. Conklin has proven that he has the capability to win games when given starts. The Blues most irreplaceable player is close between Backes and Oshie. Although the Blues have managed to win games since Oshie's injury, I believe that the Blues will be a different team when he returns (hopefully very soon).

[keystoneantiquities]

I'll only comment on the teams I pay attention to.

Islanders- Josh Bailey, he is the straw that stirs that drink
Capitals- Nicklas Backstrom, same as Bailey
Montreal- Carey Price
Flyers- Mike Richards (best Captain in the NHL)