4 NHL Players Benefitting the Most from a Change in Scenery

This season, several players have showcased their skills with their new teams. Limited ice time and poor roster construction on their former teams had previously hindered their potential. Now, with a fresh environment and new opportunities, here are four NHL players who have benefited the most from a change of scenery.

From a Healthy Scratch to a Core Piece: Dylan Holloway

After being offer sheeted by the St. Louis Blues, Dylan Holloway has seen nothing but success. From being a healthy scratch every other night on the Edmonton Oilers, Holloway has gotten his fair share of ice time with the Blues.

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Playing alongside stars Brayden Schenn and Jordan Kyrou on the second line, Holloway has been able to develop into the star winger the Oilers wanted. He has tallied 24 points (13g, 11a) in 37 games with the squad. With a plus/minus of +7 and a TOI/G of 15:50, Holloway has flourished and become an important piece to the Blues’ forward core. He recently scored a hat trick, his first in the NHL.

Offer Sheet Mayhem Leading to Success; Philip Broberg

Defensemen Philip Broberg was also on the receiving end of an offer sheet by the St. Louis Blues. Prior to his signing, Broberg was getting a decreasing amount of ice time each season with the Oilers. In his rookie season, he averaged 13:28 TOI and in his third season, he averaged two minutes less with 11:37 TOI. He showed well in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, but by then, he’d already made up his mind that he would take a fresh start elsewhere if offered.

In St. Louis, Broberg is playing nearly double the time he played last season, with an astounding 20:53 TOI, paired alongside Justin Faulk. He has 13 points (3g, 10a) in 24 games with a plus/minus of +7. He has been a key piece to the Blues’ powerplay, tallying two powerplay points.

Finding Light After Being Put on Waivers; Dante Fabbro

When defenseman Dante Fabbro was placed on Waivers by the Nashville Predators in early November, the Columbus Blue Jackets capitalized on the opportunity and claimed him immediately. Now playing just over 21 minutes a night, Fabbro plays an important role in Columbus’ defense.

During his time in Nashville, Fabbro struggled to find ice time with him, which he only averaged around 13 minutes a night. He was a consistent healthy scratch, and his potential shrunk game after game. With Columbus, he is on the first defensive pair alongside Zach Werenski, where he has a total of eight points (3g, 5a) and a plus/minus of +11.

True Potential Blooming in Montreal; Patrik Laine

It would be hard not to write about one of the most lopsided trades in recent history. When forward Patrik Laine was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, fans were questioning whether or not he would play to his full potential. This year, Laine has proven all his haters wrong as he has nearly a point per game with nine points (8g, 1a) with an incredible 23.5 S%.

Laine struggled to find his footing in Columbus and needed a change of scenery. After scoring only nine points (6g, 3a) in 18 games last season, hopes were high for a future trade. Now playing on the second line with playmakers Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, Laine has found his place in the French capital of Canada.

Next: Jakub Dobes Shines in Canadiens Debut with a Shutout Victory