We Bet Even Diehard NHL Fans Can't Name Over 80% Of These Players
- by W. Aloysius
- – on
- in Sports
The NHL has long been a source of joy for hockey fans around the world, and seeing the best and brightest from around the globe make their way into the NHL for a shot at the Stanley Cup and hockey immortality is something that is truly inspiring. While many people will never get the opportunity to make a name for themselves in the top hockey league in the world, we can still sit back and enjoy the best in the game tearing it up on the ice each passing season.
People are hopeful that this conclusion of this season will be as interesting as the ones that they have seen in the past, and once the playoffs roll around, the teams that are able to make it in will all look to bring home a title for their team. The Washington Capitals were able to make it happen last season, and others teams around the NHL will be looking to do the same for their fans. After all, there is no better way to sell tickets to a hockey game than by giving fans a top team.
Today, we are going to have people go through and identify some of the best players in the NHL today in what is sure to be a true test of their NHL knowledge.
Name This Player
This exceptionally talented hockey player has done one heck of a job in making a name for himself ever since he entered the NHL a number of years ago. Many people felt that this player had all the capabilities in the world to become something special when he ended the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, and the fact that he has been able to live up to expectations with the Boston Bruins just goes to show people that, every once in a while, analysts get things right. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This talented player has been in the league for a little bit longer than most people even realize, and now that he is doing work with the San Jose Sharks, many people are anticipating this Bay Area team will be able to get the monkey off of their back and make a strong push for the Stanley Cup. This player came into the league during the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and he is someone who has take home the James Norris Memorial Trophy two times throughout his talented run, making him one of the best defenseman of his era. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
One of the more interesting aspects of the NHL is the fact that players come from around the world to take part in the most talented league in existence, and this Czech professional player made his way into the NHL during the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, giving the league a little more diversity than it already had. He was taken with the 7th pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets, though this player is currently sitting up for the Flyers out in Philadelphia. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Some NHL franchises are simply better than others when it comes to having sustained success, and the fact that the Chicago Blackhawks employee this man as their captain is a huge reason why they have been able to take home a considerable amount of titles over the last decade or so. The 3rd pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft has gone on to be one of the best players in the league, and the fact that he is the captain of the Blackhawks just goes to show people how talented he is. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This player may be only 22 years of age, but he has been able to show the hockey world that he is one of the most talented and bright young stars currently in the NHL. He made his way into the league as the 25th pick during the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, and he has done some solid work during his time in the league. It is possible that this player will eventually develop into the captain of one of the top franchises in NHL history, and many people anticipate that this could happen sooner rather than later. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Even though this player is nearing his 30s, people are still aware of the fact that he is capable of doing some impressive things on the ice when he is playing at the top of his game. He was taken with the 2nd pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and he has taken home the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the top defenseman in the NHL during his time in the league. The Tampa Bay Lightning should consider themselves lucky that they have him on their roster. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The 5th pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft has been able to have himself one heck of a run since making his debut, and he has been an integral part of the Pittsburgh Penguins roster since he made his way over to the franchise. This player has done well for himself over the years, and the fact that he has made 3 All-Star Games during his run to go along with 2 Stanley Cup wins just goes to show people that he is an incredibly important piece of the puzzle. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Even though many people would like to think that being taken high in the NHL Entry Draft ensures that a player will wind up being something important in the league, the fact remains that many players are unable to make a name for themselves in the NHL. Every once in a while, a player that goes undrafted like this man here is able to come along and do what other people are unable to and have a sustained run in the NHL. This man currently suits up for the Columbus Blue Jackets. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Having the distinction of taking him to Calder Memorial Trophy as the top rookie in the NHL is something that all new players strive for, and this player was able to do this back in 2016 after putting together one heck of an inaugural campaign. This player wasn't taken in the NHL Entry Draft, but he was still able to come along and make a name for himself after having a successful go of things back in his native land. He has so far made the 2nd All-Star team once during his time in the NHL. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The 16th pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft is a player that has only suited up for the St. Louis Blues during his time in the NHL, and he is considered one of the more talented right wingers currently playing in the league. He is the current alternate captain for the St. Louis Blues, and he is doing anything and everything in his power to ensure that the team can take home a Stanley Cup to their loyal fans. He has made the All-Star Game three times in his journey. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The Dallas Stars should consider themselves and incredibly lucky franchise for the fact that they have this man serving as the alternate Captain for their team. He is an incredibly talented defenseman that cut his teeth abroad before making his way to the NHL as the 131st pick back in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Back in 2015, he was selected to the All-Rookie Team, and in 2018, he made his first All-Star Game, which will do wonders for his salary moving forward. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
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The Montreal Canadiens were more than willing to spend the 43rd pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft on this player, and to say that he has been exceptional during his time in the NHL would be a major understatement. This man is currently one of the leading defenseman for the Nashville Predators, and the things that he has been able to do for the team have been instrumental in them finding a great deal of success over the last few seasons. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Back in 2012, the Washington Capitals were all too happy to make this player the 11th pick in the NHL Entry Draft, and this player would eventually make his way to the Nashville Predators where he is currently serving as the alternate captain for the franchise. If the Nashville Predators are going to duplicate their success from a season ago, then this man is going to be a huge factor in this happening, considering the talents that he possesses. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
2018 has been an incredibly kind season to this man, as he has been selected to his first NHL All-Star Game in what has been an already impressive journey in the NHL. He was selected with the 19th pick back in the 2012 Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, and he has truly been able to come into his own during the last few seasons. The work that he has done for Tampa Bay this year has been truly exceptional to watch unfold. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
There is an incredible amount of pressure that comes with being the top pick in the NHL Entry Draft, and back in 2007, the Chicago Blackhawks made this player the top pick, meaning that he was expected to come into the NHL and make an immediate impact for the franchise. Since coming on board for the Chicago Blackhawks, this player has been able to help them win the Stanley Cup three times, and he has been selected as an NHL All-Star multiple times as well. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This player entered the league back in 2016 as the top pick in the NHL Entry Draft, and the expectations that were placed on him would leave many people a bit tense. Even though he is still just 21 years old, he has been able to make the NHL All-Star Game multiple times throughout his run in the league, and back in 2017, he took home the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the top rookie in the league. Talk about making an immediate impact for a franchise. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Even though this player was taken with the 71st pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins, many people felt that he had all the talent necessary to be a difference-maker at the next level. Currently playing at the age of 30, this player has been absolutely tremendous the last two seasons, being selected to the NHL All-Star Game in each of them, and the fact that he made the First NHL All-Star Team in 2017 just goes to show people what a tremendous season that he had for his team. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Coming into the NHL and making an immediate impact for a franchise is something that many players would love to do, and the fact that this man has been so tremendous since being the top pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft just goes to show people that he was always primed for a successful go of things. This player has made the All-Star Game in both 2017 and 2018, and he took home the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2017. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
At 32 years of age, this player still able to do some impressive things for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the franchise is incredibly satisfied with the fact that they made him the 2nd pick back in 2004. This player is currently serving as the alternate captain for the franchise, and ever since he made his way into the NHL, he has been instrumental in taking home the Stanley Cup three times. He has also been selected to the All-Star Game seven times. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Many people would love the opportunity to make their way into the NHL and be selected to an All-Star Game, and this player has been able to do just that during his time in the league. Back when he first came in the league on the heels of being the 4th pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, many people were curious to see how he would fare while playing for the Washington Capitals, and everything came full circle in 2018 when he played an integral part in the team taking home the Stanley Cup. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Playing offense is incredibly important in the NHL, but being able to prevent the opposition from scoring points in bunches is what truly wins games, and the fact that this player is the lead goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens just goes to show fans the type of faith that they have in his abilities on the ice. He was taken with the 5th pick by the Canadiens back in 2005 with the expectations of developing into a tremendous talent, and the fact that he has done show just goes to show people that the franchise was right all along. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This talented right winger has been holding it down in Tampa Bay since he was made the 58th pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and the team has been able to utilize him effectively throughout his impressive run in the NHL. He has truly been coming into his own as of late, making the All-Star Game in each of the last two seasons, and the Lightning are hopeful that he can continue this upward trajectory and eventually lead the team to a victory in the Stanley Cup. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
At just 23 years of age, there is still a ton of room for improvement for this player, but the fact that he has already been able to perform exceptionally well, meaning that the sky is the limit for him. He is the current captain of the Florida Panthers franchise, and after the team made him the 2nd pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, they were hopeful that he would deliver the goods on the ice. It was recently revealed that he was selected to his first NHL All-Star Game this season. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The New York Islanders had a feeling that this player would develop into a tremendous talent when they made him the top pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and while he has been an exceptional player during his time in the league, he is no longer with the Islanders, as he is currently the alternate captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This player has been selected as an NHL All-Star five times throughout his time in the league, and the last four seasons of his run have seen him do some exceptional things on the ice. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This player may not have the same type of accolades of some of the other men that are being featured on this quiz today, but that does little to diminish the fact that he has been a worthwhile contributor for his franchise for quite some time now. The St. Louis Blues were more than happy to select him with the 4th pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and even though he has yet to take home a Stanley Cup for the franchise, he has done exceptionally well in international play for the Canadian Olympic hockey team. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This right winger is the current captain for the Winnipeg Jets, and the team has done well for themselves in recent years, thanks largely to the play of this captain. He came into the league back in 2004 after he was taken by the Phoenix Coyotes, and he has been developing his overall game over the years. He was recently announced as an NHL Second All-Star Team selection, and 2018 will be the first time that he takes part in an NHL All-Star Game. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
It seems as though this player has had a unique way of making an impact throughout his time in the NHL, and the fact that he has only taking part in two All-Star Games despite making an All-Star team numerous times throughout his NHL run just goes to show people that sometimes, top talent tends to get overlooked. Even though he wasn't taken with one of the top picks in the NHL Entry Draft back in 2007, he has been someone that has developed into a captain for his respective team. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
At this point, there really isn't a whole lot to say about this player, considering what he has been able to accomplish during his time in the NHL. This man is considered one of the greatest players to ever step onto the ice, and he could retire today with his place in the history of the sport remaining unquestioned. Rare is it to see someone have the type of hype that he did when he was a young player, and the fact that he exceeded this hype was incredible to watch unfold. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This Swiss defenseman is the current captain of the Nashville Predators and, along with the other talented men on the team, he has been instrumental in the franchise reaching unprecedented levels of success in recent seasons. He made his way into the league back in 2008 when the Nashville Predators showed a willingness to take a flyer on him, and what he has meant to the franchise ever since he made his debut is something that truly cannot be expressed in a few short words. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
After being made the top pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, this player eventually made his way to the New Jersey Devils where he is currently serving as the alternate captain for the franchise. He was viewed as a dynamic player as he was making his way through his native Canada, and he has been selected to the All-Star Game four times during his impressive run, with 2018 being his most prestigious season yet, considering the fact that he took on the Hart Memorial trophy. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This talented left winger is currently suiting up for the Calgary Flames, and he has done so his entire NHL run ever since the team made him the 104th pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. During his time in the league, he has garnered one of the most notable nicknames in this day and age, and the fact that he has now made the NHL All-Star Game in four consecutive seasons just goes to show people that his development over the years has been one that has exceeded expectations. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The alternate captain for the Winnipeg Jets is the man that we are featuring on this entry here, and his play for the franchise since he came into the league back in 2011 is something that fans have truly enjoyed watching. The interesting thing to know about this player is that he was the very first player taken by the Winnipeg Jets after their relocation from the city of Atlanta, and to say that he has been everything and more for the team would be an understatement. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The San Jose Sharks have been able to do some solid things over the years, but the fact that they are never able to get over the hump is something that has been hard to watch for their fans. This player came on board and has been looking to bring home a Stanley Cup to the Bay Area, and the work that he has done as a defenseman has been truly tremendous to watch unfold. He would be considered a legend in The Bay if he is able to make big things happened for the Sharks. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Seeing this man take home his first Stanley Cup last season is something that truly took the world by storm, and the fact that he has been one of the best players in NHL history during his time in the league without taking home the highest honor is something that had left a sour taste in people's mouths for a considerable amount of time. Now that he has a Stanley Cup to his name, the former top pick of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft can call it a day any time that he deems fit. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The Los Angeles Kings are a franchise that have had a great deal of success throughout their history, and having this man serve as their alternate captain just goes to show people what he has meant to the franchise ever since he came into the league back in 2008. He is an exceptionally gifted player that has been selected to the NHL All-Star Game in each of the last four seasons, and he has helped take home two Stanley Cups for the franchise. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The Washington Capitals were able to run roughshod over their competition en route to taking home the Stanley Cup just last season, and the fact that this player was on board during that run was a huge reason why they were able to pull this off successfully. He came to the team after being taken in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and he was selected to his lone NHL All-Star Game back in 2016. He was able to do some exceptional things during the most recent playoffs. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
While it was incredibly important for the Washington Capitals to score plenty of goals while they were looking for their Stanley Cup, it was just as important for their goalie to make sure that he shut things down on the opposite end of the ice, and this man was the one that was able to make dreams come true for Capitals fans everywhere, thanks to his exceptional play throughout the playoffs. He has been selected to the NHL All-Star Game three times during his NHL run. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This Finnish hockey player was made the 2nd pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets, and the franchise had expectations for the player that he could eventually develop into someone who could take the reins and lead the team into the future. He was selected to his lone NHL All-Star Game back in 2017, and in that same year, he was also named Rookie of the Month for the month of February, thanks to what he was able to do on the ice for the Jets. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
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Back in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning were more than excited to make this man the top pick, considering what he had done leading up to the NHL Draft as a junior player, and ever since he made his debut for the team, he has been able to make the NHL All-Star Games five times. Back during his 2015 campaign, he was able to take home the Wales Trophy, which is an honor that players truly cherish, considering what it means to their franchise. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
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The Edmonton Oilers saw a ton of promise in this German forward, and the fact that they made him the 3rd pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft meant that they had all the faith in the world that he could develop into one of the best players in the league. Even though this player has yet to be selected to an NHL All-Star Game, he has been a worthwhile contributor for the team ever since he made his debut, and the franchise is optimistic that he will continue his development and eventually become a top player. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the most popular franchises in the NHL, and the fact that this man serves as the alternate captain for the team just goes to show people how talented he has been and what he has meant to the franchise since they took him in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. So far in his run, he has yet to be selected to an NHL All-Star Game, but in 2018, he was awarded the Hart Memorial Award, which has done wonders for his prestige. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
The New York Islanders are a franchise that have been looking to do some exceptional things over the years, and after taking this player in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, they are hopeful that he will be the one to get the job done for their fans and eventually take home a Stanley Cup for the first time since 1983. Back in January of this year, he was selected as the Rookie of the Month, and it was announced that he was named the Calder Memorial Trophy recipient for his inaugural NHL campaign as well. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This player is one that has played for several times during his time in the NHL, including the Chicago Blackhawks and the former Atlanta Thrashers before they relocated and became the Winnipeg Jets. He is a talented defenseman that has also played forward during his time in the NHL, and he is the man that is currently serving as the alternate captain for the franchise. It is amazing to see that he has been an NHL All-Star Game selection four times during his NHL run. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
This hockey phenom has been able to do some exceptional things throughout his time in the NHL, and as it stands now, he has currently played for two NHL franchises, including the Boston Bruins and the Dallas Stars. He has made the NHL All-Star Game in each of the last four seasons, and back in 2011, he was instrumental in taking home a Stanley Cup for his former franchise. The Dallas Stars are hoping to get the same results from this player. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
After being made the 22nd pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, this player has continued his overall development and has since been selected to the NHL All-Star Game five times in what has been a truly remarkable run. He has also taken home some honors from his franchise as well, and the fact that the team has awarded him the Bobby Clarke Trophy five times throughout his duration with the franchise just goes to show people exactly what he means to the team. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
Name This Player
Every player coming into the NHL has a number of goals that they are hoping to achieve at some point during their run, and the fact that this man has been able to do a little bit of everything since coming into the NHL just goes to show people how talented he truly is. He is a player that has been able to make the NHL All-Star Game four times already, and his play on the ice was instrumental in the Los Angeles Kings winning the Stanley Cup two times. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
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Even though many people know the Mighty Ducks as the team from those Disney movies, the fact that they have been able to do some tremendous things throughout their time of the NHL just goes to show people that it takes a certain type of management to put together a fantastic team. This player has spent his entire time in the NHL suiting up for the Mighty Ducks, and he was a huge piece of the puzzle when the franchise was able to become the first California team to win a Stanley Cup. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
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It's not easy to come into the NHL and make an immediate impact as a rookie, but what this man was able to do during his inaugural campaign was something that left many people hopeful that he could eventually become one of the best players in the NHL. His overall development continued and eventually peaked this most recent season as he was selected to his first NHL All-Star Game. The Sabres are thankful to have him on their roster. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
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Even though this player made his way into the NHL back of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he has already suited up for multiple teams during his time in the league. He has been a solid contributor on each team that he has played for during his NHL run, and his play in the 2018 season has left people hopeful that he will realize his true potential and develop into a stout player for years to come. He is currently sitting up for the Vegas Golden Knights. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)
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The former top pick of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche has since developed into the alternate captain for the franchise, meaning that he has done a decent job in living up to the hype that was placed on him by analysts before he made his way into the NHL. He has made the All-Star Game in each of the last two seasons, and back in 2014, he was the player selected as the Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, which is one heck of a feather in someone's cap. True NHL fans wanting to prove their overall knowledge will be able to quickly identify players like this man here. (Hockey Reference)