Carolina Hurricanes

Analysts Name Three NHL Players Who Are Being Ignored

Who would you choose if you were to choose three great under-the-radar and ignored NHL players? Who did the Hockey Central panel pick?

by
Old Prof
January 11, 2025

Between periods of a recent Sportsnet game, Hockey Central’s panel discussed which under-the-radar NHL players have standout seasons but remain ignored. Jason Bukala, Luke Gazdic, and David Amber broke down players quietly but significantly impacting their teams.

Bukala Chose Martin Nečas of the Hurricanes

Jason Bukala shared why he thought Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Nečas was ignored but should be an under-the-radar choice. He’s a player who’s strong but unnoticed. Nečas started the season on fire by scoring 33 points in just 18 games. He played a key role in Carolina’s success. Bukala pointed out that the Hurricanes rely on Nečas to be a top performer, and he’s curious to see if Nečas can maintain this high level of play throughout the season.

After a rough patch in December, Necas is back on track. On the season, he’s put up solid numbers that now total 15 goals and 32 assists in 40 games. He’s a key part of his team’s top six unit and seems able to show that he’s still got plenty more to give. Necas is a player to watch!

Gazdic Chose Alexei Protas of the Capitals

When Luke Gazdic got his turn, he brought up the name of Washington Capitals forward Alexei Protas, who has been ignored but should be an under-the-radar choice. Protas has been a key player for the Capitals, putting up 36 points while playing on the team’s second line. Gazdic lauded Protas’ physical presence at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, along with his impressive plus-24 rating. His play has been a key to the Capitals’ solid start.

Protas has earned his spot on the list because of his impressive breakout season. Over his last 14 games, he’s been on fire. What makes his season more remarkable is how quickly he’s passed his previous high of 13 goals. He has already reached 18 in just 40 games. Protas has emerged as a key player for the Capitals, and it’s clear he’s here to stay.

Amber Chose Jesper Bratt of the Devils

Jesper Bratt of the New Jersey Devils earned David Amber’s pick as an ignored, under-the-radar choice. Bratt has been sensational. Despite flying under the radar, he consistently contributes offensively. His ability to drive the Devils’ success makes him one of the NHL’s most underrated stars of the season.

Bratt deserves a spot on the list for his solid all-around play. Although he experienced a nine-game goal-scoring drought, he’s still been making things happen. He picked up six assists during his goalless stretch. Bratt has added 15 goals and 34 assists (49 points) in 44 games. His solid plus-11 rating shows that he’s been fueling his team’s success. He’s one of New Jersey’s key players.