Top 12 Veteran Players in the National Hockey League at the moment –Part 2
Continuing our review of some of the top veteran players during the last season, it is interesting to note that not all players who were mentioned earlier, or will be later on, were top-notch from day one. Some took time to develop and find their mode along
with a team which suited them best.
This does not practically mean that all players are late bloomers, but it means that yes, some players reach their peak performing years a little ripe. Not all can be Steven Stamkos, the young Tampa Bay Lightning sensation which took the league by storm,
have well rounded and 50 plus point seasons during his entry-level contract.
Not all players who are even selected in the top 10 during draft time remain regular on the franchise line-up during the season, while many late picks takeover the top spots and become irreplaceable. It is all about how a performer can adjust and truly play
their natural game.
Continuing the list of top 12 veteran players in the National Hockey League (NHL), at the moment, there might be a few additions that might either surprise or shock fans out there, but they are certainly worthy of being mentioned.
3. Dan Boyle (Defenseman, San Jose Sharks)
San Jose Sharks have one of the league’s most valuable defenders in the form of 35-year-old, Dan Boyle, who himself, was undrafted and picked up directly from playing on Miami University RedHawks in the Centre Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) by Florida
Panthers.
After nine seasons of playing with teams like Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, the latter with which he won a Stanley Cup in 2004, joining San Jose after the 2008-2009 season.
Since then, Boyle had had three 50 point plus seasons with Sharks and never comes close to even disappointing anyone on the team or management.
An aspect of Dan Boyle worth being noted is his productive skills, which are not flashy is nature, but straight forward and simple. He is a man of principles who gets things done on time and in a best way possible. Regarding the above discussion about late
bloomers, Boyle himself did not become an NHL regular until the age of 24, and has not slowed down since.
Martin St. Louis (Right Wing, Tampa Bay Lightning)
A well known name in the world of hockey is Martin St. Louis. The 36-year-old forward from Laval, Quebec, Canada, has a lot in common with Dan Boyle of San Jose Sharks.
For one, the right winger was also not drafted, but recruited after playing for Cleveland Lumberjacks in the International Hockey League (IHL) and University of Vermont in the Eastern College Athletic Conference by Calgary Flames.
St. Louis initially was signed onto a two-way contract and was sent to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) with Calgary’s affiliate club, Saint John Flames, but joined the major league franchise the following season.
The left handed sniper has only missed two games in the last eight seasons, which easily makes him one of the most highly consistent players currently in the NHL. Last season, St. Louis showed a superior level of performance as he potted 99 points (31 goals,
68 assists), for his second 90 point plus season back-to-back.
Recently, Martin St. Louis was awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for showing the most sportsmanship conduct and classy performance, which certainly makes him one of the highest valued players in NHL history.
To Be Continued in Part 3.......
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