There’s very little sympathy for struggling NHL players.
Teams owe them no long-term loyalty and can move on from a player at any time. Fans can turn quickly, while the media dissects flaws during rough patches, especially in major markets.
This creates a brutal mental experience, and many players are harsher on themselves than any external criticism. No amount of money can replace the peace of mind that comes with meeting or exceeding expectations.
This is why it’s so rewarding to cheer for comebacks and redemption stories. Today, we analyze nine players who are excelling after a challenging 2023-24 season riddled with injuries (this isn’t a list of breakout stars; don’t expect names like Connor McMichael, Philip Broberg, Anton Lundell, Ross Colton, Kirill Marchenko, etc.).
Thompson appeared destined for superstardom when he erupted for 47 goals and 94 points in the 2022-23 season. His unique blend of imposing size, elite shooting ability, and silky smooth hands made him one of the most exhilarating players to watch. However, his performance took a significant dip last season, scoring 29 goals and 56 points in 71 games. Considering his relatively limited track record as an upper-echelon center forward, this prompted questions about whether his breakout was a fluke.
Not only has Thompson rebounded to become an elite offensive producer, but he has also elevated his all-around game to unprecedented levels.
The 27-year-old sniper scored 16 five-on-five goals last year. Through just 16 games this season, he already boasts a league-leading 10 even-strength goals.
Thompson’s line is thriving on the rush—according to my count, six of his 10 even-strength goals have come off counterattacks. His improved health also plays a role; last season, he battled through a hand/wrist injury that hampered his play. He’s back to unleashing one-time laser shots, a key part of his game that was compromised last year.
TAGE RIPS ONE
WHAT A GOAL
THAT WAS MAGIC
GOD IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER THAN A THOMPSON ONE TIMER pic.twitter.com/k88607WHkh
— Crossing Swords ⚔️ (@CrossSwordsPod) October 23, 2024
Thompson’s slap shot numbers
| Season | Slap Shot Goals | Slap Shot SOG |
|---|---|---|
Thompson’s impressive on-ice impact extends beyond just scoring. His two-way performance has also seen a remarkable improvement.
. The Sabres are dominating opponents to the tune of a 61 percent expected goal share and have outscored opponents 15-4 during Thompson’s five-on-five shifts. His defensive metrics are miles better compared to his breakout 2022-23 campaign. He’s certainly playing the best hockey of his career.
Thompson’s improving 5v5 defence
|
Season |
Goals Against/60 |
Expected Goals Against/60 |
|---|---|---|
Thompson left Monday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens with an injury and didn’t return but he’s considered day to day by the Sabres.
There are several reasons why the Devils had such a disappointing season last year, and their underperforming blue line is high on the list. Damon Severson and Ryan Graves’ offseason departures stung and Dougie Hamilton’s season-ending injury was a major blow, but Siegenthaler and John Marino’s down years were the final blow to the back end’s stability.
Siegenthaler, who’d been an underrated shutdown defender during his first two seasons in New Jersey, struggled mightily in 2023-24. Corey Sznajder’s tracking data revealed he was becoming a turnover machine and allowing rush chances at appalling rates. The Devils were outscored by 10 goals during his five-on-five minutes last season.
The 27-year-old defender is back to his reliable old self again. Siegenthaler and his new partner Johnathan Kovacevic (who’s been one of the most pleasant surprises in the NHL since being acquired from the Canadiens) have been assigned the toughest matchups on New Jersey’s blue line and are crushing it — Siegenthaler’s 57 percent expected goal share is the best mark of his career and they’re outscoring opponents 17-8 at five-on-five.
Siegenthaler has been the Devils’ most valuable defenseman so far this year, according to Dom Luszczyszyn’s Game Score model. He’s been one of the quiet drivers behind New Jersey’s rise back up the standings.
Necas dropped from 71 points in 2022-23 to 53 last season in addition to posting subpar defensive metrics. The 25-year-old has always flashed eye-popping skill, but many Canes analysts and fans wondered whether he was an ideal fit with Rod Brind’Amour’s system and playing style. Carolina preaches two-way commitment first and hasn’t given its forwards much freedom to freelance offensively in the past, which appeared to clash with Necas’ high-risk, high-reward offensive instincts.
Necas’ name was bandied in trade rumors all summer, but after signing a two-year bridge deal, he’s quickly become an indispensable offensive driver. He’s already up to nine goals and 25 points in 15 games, which is 11 points higher than the next-highest producer in Carolina. The Hurricanes appear to be giving their players more leash to aggressively push on the counterattack this season, which has unlocked Necas’ top offensive gear. He’s also gaining the coaching staff’s trust by improving his decision-making to cut down his turnovers and limiting his mistakes away from the puck.
Carolina goal!
Scored by Jesperi Kotkaniemi with 07:14 remaining in the 1st period.
Assisted by Martin Necas and Eric Robinson.
Vegas: 0
Carolina: 2#CARvsVGK #VegasBorn #RaiseUp pic.twitter.com/uMfqnCsnVl— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) November 12, 2024
One of the most impressive parts about Necas’ breakout is that he’s producing at an elite clip without the help of any high-end linemates. Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Eric Robinson have been his two most common running mates on the second line this season — Kotkaniemi and Robinson combined for just 36 points last year. Necas is doing the heavy lifting of driving a top-six line by himself; if he keeps this up, he’ll be in line for a massive payday as an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.
Chytil was on the cusp of breaking out as a legitimate top-six-caliber center before being derailed by a suspected concussion. He missed all but 10 regular-season games last year and understandably didn’t perform up to his potential in the playoffs when he did return, going without a point in six contests.
The speedy 25-year-old center is now driving arguably the best third line in the NHL this season. He’s up to four goals and nine points in 14 games on top of driving elite two-way results. The Rangers have controlled a commanding 65.5 percent of expected goals and outscored teams 12-2 during Chytil’s five-on-five minutes. Peter Laviolette is deploying Chytil’s line more like a second line than a third line, as they’ve played more five-on-five minutes this season than Mika Zibanejad and his linemates.
Chytil’s dynamic skill is unlocking more offense out of Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko, who are each enjoying breakout offensive campaigns. He’s been the Rangers’ best center in the early going, re-emerging as a game-changer for New York’s middle six now that he’s healthy.
Pionk’s arc in Winnipeg has been volatile.
He made an excellent first impression for the Jets as a high-end top-four defender to replace Jacob Trouba. He was rewarded with a lucrative extension carrying a $5.875 million cap hit and, yet, whether it’s because of previous injuries or other factors, he struggled in a top-four role last year.
But the 29-year-old right-shot defenseman is resurging in a major way to start 2024-25. He’s already notched 17 points in 16 games, more than half the production he managed last season which slots him second among all NHL defensemen in points so far. Pionk’s two-way impact has been stronger, too — this is the first time in his career that his team is generating more five-on-five scoring chances than they’re surrendering when he’s on the ice.
Getting back to full health has been a key part of Pionk’s redemption story. NHL Edge data shows his skating speed has improved compared to years past. Pionk is finally playing like a bona fide top-four player again which, coupled with other strong performances on the blue line, has contributed to the Jets’ historically dominant start.
The up-and-down, roller-coaster-like trajectory for many NHL goaltenders is enough to give you whiplash.
In 2022-23, Gustavsson burst onto the scene as one of the league’s most surprising breakout players, pitching a sparkling .931 save percentage in 39 games during his first season with the Wild. It earned him a sizable three-year extension at a $3.75 million cap hit, only for his performance to fall off a cliff last season.
Gustavsson dropped to a .899 save percentage and surrendered nearly eight goals more than you’d expect from a league-average netminder, according to Evolving Hockey’s model. He was remarkably inconsistent, one of the biggest reasons why the Wild missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. He was even possible trade bait last summer because the Wild had re-signed Marc-Andre Fleury and top goaltending prospect Jesper Wallstedt was knocking on the door of an NHL job.
The 26-year-old has rebounded with a .919 save percentage, starting 11 of 15 games for a red-hot Wild team that’s second in the Central Division. Minnesota’s defensive play has been significantly sharper compared to last year as well, which has to be noted because the environment in front of a goaltender often has a major impact.
Jensen had a long history of being a rock-solid two-way driver on Washington’s second pair, but his play fell off hard last season at 33 years old.
The usually steady right-shot defender lost his matchups across the board (in shots, chances and actual goals) by fairly wide margins in 2023-24. Why? One reason he looked off may be that his skating — which is one of his best assets — declined last season. NHL Edge data shows that his speed bursts over 20 miles per hour and top speed fell compared to the year prior.
Jensen’s skating has rebounded (he ranks in the top 10 percent of all defensemen for speed bursts over 20 miles per hour) which has powered a renaissance start for him in Ottawa.
Jensen speed bursts over 20mph so far
| Jensen bursts over 20 mph | League Average | Jensen’s percentile |
|---|---|---|
Data according to NHL Edge
He’s been the perfect fit next to Thomas Chabot, driving a near 56 percent share of shot attempts and a plus-8 goal differential at five-on-five. Jensen has been a stabilizing force because of his
Mark Stone is an all-around impact player—he moves the puck well, makes quick reads defensively, possesses secondary offensive capabilities (six points in 15 games), and plays a competitive, physical style.
He’s precisely what the Senators, who lacked a top-four caliber right-shot defender besides Artem Zub, needed to solidify their blue line.
However, there have been a couple of minor concerns regarding Stone in recent times.
The first, most obvious one is his health: He’s averaged 45 games played over his last three seasons. A more subtle difference is that his defensive numbers, typically elite, dipped last year. Vegas controlled only 50.6 percent of expected goals with Stone on the ice last season, and he ranked 11th out of the club’s 13 forwards in conceded high-danger chances. This was a far cry from the dominant two-way results we were accustomed to seeing from Stone.
Stone’s Two-Way Numbers
|
Season |
5v5 xGF% |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Player |
5v5 CF% |
5v5 GF% |
|---|---|---|
| 50.1% | 52.3% | |
| 42.8% | 33.3% | |
| 42.6% | 28.6% | |
| 41.2% | 34.1% | |
| 39.6% | 39.4% | |
| 38.7% | 36.7% |
Despite missing four games this season – three due to an upper-body injury and one as a healthy scratch after skipping a treatment session – Walman is expected to return to the Sharks’ lineup soon.
Honorable Mentions:
Tim Stützle, Alex Ovechkin, Kaapo Kakko, Tyler Seguin, Jake Oettinger, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jared Spurgeon, Jake Middleton, Brandon Montour, Jared McCann, Brendan Gallagher, Jack Roslovic, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Nico Hischier, Alex Pietrangelo, Rasmus Andersson, Barrett Hayton, Rickard Rakell, Tom Wilson, Dougie Hamilton, John Carlson, Mikhail Sergachev
(Photos of Mark Stone and Tage Thompson: Candice Ward and Timothy T. Ludwig / Imagn Images)
# Resurgence and Redemption: Nine NHL Players Thriving After Setbacks
The **National Hockey League (NHL)** is a league of triumph and adversity. While some players ascend to stardom with relative ease, others face significant **setbacks** on their journey to the top. From injuries to off-ice struggles, these bumps in the road can test even the most resilient athletes. However, as we’ve seen time and again, the NHL is a place where **resurgence and redemption** are possible.
These stories of triumph over adversity inspire fans and remind us that perseverance and dedication can lead to remarkable comebacks. Let’s delve into the narratives of nine NHL players who have not only overcome their setbacks but also emerged stronger than ever before, demonstrating the true spirit of this incredible sport.
## 1. Jonathan Drouin: Finding Solace in Tampa Bay
Jonathan Drouin entered the NHL with high expectations as a top prospect, drafted third overall by the **Tampa Bay Lightning**. However, his early years were plagued by inconsistencies and struggles to find his place on the roster. A trade to Montreal brought temporary relief, but personal challenges continued to surface.
### Drouin’s Resilience:
* Seeking support from mental health professionals.
* Finding comfort in Tampa Bay’s supportive environment.
* Embracing a more focused approach to training and game preparation.
Jonathan Drouin found renewed purpose and success after returning to the Lightning, proving that overcoming adversity can lead to personal and professional growth.
## 2. Matt Duchene: A New Home, A Renewed Fire
Matt Duchene had a productive career with the **Colorado Avalanche**, but his tenure was marked by inconsistency and trade rumors. Ultimately, he found himself on the move several times before settling in Nashville.
### Finding Success in Music City:
* Embracing a leadership role in the Predators locker room.
* Adjusting to a new system and playing style.
* Building strong relationships with teammates and coaches.
Matt Duchene thrived in Nashville, showcasing his offensive prowess and becoming a key contributor to the team’s success, demonstrating that change can often spark rediscovery.
## 3. Max Pacioretty: Conquering Injuries and Doubts
Max Pacioretty is known for his scoring ability and powerful shot, but his career has been punctuated by significant injuries. A devastating concussion setback in 2017 raised concerns about his future.
### Pacioretty’s Determination:
* Undergoing rigorous rehabilitation to regain strength and agility.
* Demonstrating unwavering commitment to returning to the ice.
* Embracing a more cautious approach to prevent further injury.
After facing setbacks, Max Pacioretty returned with renewed focus and determination, proving his resilience and reminding us that true champions never give up on their dreams.
## 4. Zach Parise: Bouncing Back From Injury and Doubt
Zach Parise is a veteran forward known for his clutch performances and dedication to the game. However, he faced adversity in recent seasons due to recurring injuries that threatened to derail his career.
### Parise’s Comeback Story:
* Collaborating with medical professionals to develop personalized rehabilitation programs.
* Adjusting his training regimen to prioritize injury prevention.
* Maintaining a positive mental attitude despite challenges.
Zach Parise’s comeback story exemplifies the importance of unwavering spirit and adaptability, reminding us that even seasoned athletes can overcome obstacles and find new paths to success.
## 5. Mike Green: An Iconic Defenseman Rising From Injury
Mike Green was known for his offensive prowess as a defenseman during his time with the **Washington Capitals**. However, a series of devastating injuries threatened his career.
### Green’s Triumph Over Adversity:
* Embracing new training methods to strengthen and protect vulnerable areas.
* Working closely with trainers and doctors to accelerate recovery.
* Adapting his playing style to minimize risk while maximizing impact.
Mike Green’s resilience demonstrates the importance of innovative thinking and strategic adjustments in overcoming physical challenges and continuing to contribute at a high level.
## 6. Sidney Crosby: The Captain’s Unwavering Spirit
Sidney Crosby is arguably one of the greatest players in NHL history, but even he has faced adversity. Concussions plagued him early in his career, raising serious concerns about his long-term health.
### Crosby’s Strength and Leadership:
* Taking a prolonged hiatus to prioritize recovery and well-being.
* Returning with renewed focus and determination.
* Becoming an advocate for concussion awareness and prevention.
Sidney Crosby’s story highlights the importance of mental and physical well-being, showcasing how resilience can lead to both individual triumphs and collective progress within the sport.
## 7. Patrick Kane: Redefining Legacy After a Difficult Season
Patrick Kane is a beloved figure in Chicago, known for his dazzling skills and Stanley Cup victories. However, he faced scrutiny during the 2022-23 season after off-ice allegations surfaced.
### Kane’s Path Forward:
* Demonstrating humility and acknowledging past mistakes.
* Focusing on personal growth and rebuilding trust.
* Embracing a new chapter with the New York Rangers.
Patrick Kane’s journey serves as a reminder that even iconic figures can face challenges, but through introspection, accountability, and commitment to improvement, redemption is possible.
## 8. Erik Karlsson: From Injury Woes to Superstar Status
Erik Karlsson, a highly skilled defenseman known for his offensive contributions, endured several debilitating injuries throughout his career. However, he consistently found ways to bounce back from these setbacks.
### Karlsson’s Enduring Impact:
* Undergoing meticulous rehabilitation and physical therapy.
* Maintaining a positive attitude and unwavering belief in his abilities.
* Continuously pushing himself to achieve new heights on the ice.
Erik Karlsson’s story exemplifies that true greatness is not defined solely by accolades but also by the ability to overcome adversity, persevere through challenges, and leave a lasting legacy on the game.
## 9. Andrei Vasilevskiy: The Reigning Champion Who Never Gives Up
Andrei Vasilevskiy is a dominant goaltender known for his incredible athleticism and consistent performance. Despite facing pressure as the Tampa Bay Lightning’s starter, he has consistently risen to the occasion in high-stakes games.
### Vasilevskiy’s Unwavering Focus:
* Maintaining a disciplined training regimen year-round.
* Developing mental toughness through rigorous competition.
* Embracing the responsibility of being a leader on the ice.
Andrei Vasilevskiy’s story showcases the power of unwavering focus, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in achieving greatness within the demanding world of professional hockey.
