As a longtime subscriber to The Hockey News and an admitted sports nut whose first love is ice hockey, this writer is well aware that one of its yearbook’s traditions is a ranking of the NHL’s top-50 players, compiled by the periodical’s writers, league GMs and scouts. Having digested still another of these annual features, your loyal hockey pundit decided to compile a ranking of the top 20 Ukrainian NHL-ers as the puck drops for 2019-2020.
- Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Calgary – Tkachuk is ranked No. 45 in the NHL by The Hockey News, he plays the game tough, and he plays the game to win. He is a supreme agitator with a 34-goal campaign already on his resume. His continued superior performance will be paramount for any deep playoff run by his Flames. One week before the 2019-2020 season faced off, Calgary signed Tkachuk to a three-year, $21 million bridge contract making him the highest paid Flames player.
- Devan Dubnyk, GT, Minnesota – Dubnyk enters his sixth season with the Wild following an up-and-down 2018-2019, which ended with a .913 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against-average. He enjoyed a great start until toppled by Washington’s Tom Wilson in a November game, causing his game to falter. At 33, Dubnyk could benefit from more rest.
- Tyler Bozak, C, St. Louis – This veteran player was brought in to add leadership and win face-offs as a third-line center. He more than met expectations as his two-way skills helped the Blues win their first-ever Stanley Cup (13 playoff points) and 54.3 faceoff percent won prove he’s crafty and clutch.
- Colton Parayko, D, St. Louis – Parayko is part of an incredible shut-down pair so evident in the playoffs against the top lines of Winnipeg, Dallas, San Jose and Boston. He’s come a long way since being touted mainly for his blistering shot from the point. Parayko is valued as the No. 2 defenseman on the Blues with a growing reputation as a solid two-way defender.
- Travis Zajac, C, New Jersey – He’s one of several Devils players outside the top-six capable of producing on offense, coming off a 46-point season. Described as a superb penalty-killer, Zajac is counted on as No. 3 centerman and will be asked to mentor No. 1 overall draft pick, Jack Hughes.
- Adam Pelech, D, N.Y. Islanders – Pelech has climbed up the depth chart to No. 3 on the blue-line brigade and is a big part of the reason the Isles were the first team in a century to finish with the fewest goals against one season after allowing the most goals in the league. Only 25, he has a great future.
- Brady Tkachuk, LW, Ottawa – The 20-year-old will be asked to play a pivotal role as the Senators rebuild with the focus on youth. Coming off an incredible rookie campaign when he tallied 22 goals and 45 points (top scoring forward on club), he will be relied on to carry even more of the offensive load by new coach D.J. Smith. Already ranked No. 7 among Ukrainians, one can only imagine his potential.
- Johnny Boychuk, D, N.Y. Islanders – Injuries and advancing years have robbed him of his offensive acumen, yet he’s still considered No. 4 on the defensive depth chart, possibly pairing with fellow Uke Pelech. His +10 in 74 games was good for fourth among the team’s blue-liners. At 35 he can produce more offense.
- Greg Pateryn, D, Minnesota – The blue line is still the Wild’s bread and butter. They boast one of the NHL’s best top-fours with Matt Dumba, Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin. Right behind them is the under-rated Pateryn, who proved worthy of his free-agent deal by earning an average of 17 minutes time-on-ice in 80 games. At 29 he seems to have finally found a permanent home.
- Mark Pysyk, D, Florida – Among the regular defensemen, his -1 plus/minus ratio was second best after captain Aaron Ekblad’s +1, a reflection of Pysyk’s safe puck handling versus the Panthers’ high-risk, high-reward defensive style. The 27-year-old is the ultimate defensive defenseman who complements the corps’ more daring rearguards.
- Jakob Chychrun, D, Arizona – The blue line is referred to as the team’s heart and soul with captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson leading one of the league’s deepest and most balanced defense corps. The club’s top seven defenders return in 2019-2020, including 2016 first-rounder Chychrun, who’s already a three-year veteran at age 21. Health is the only obstacle he needs to overcome on his way to stardom.
- Nolan Patrick, C, Philadelphia – The second overall pick in 2017, he’s been slowed by injuries since his draft year. One must appreciate that Patrick just turned 21, and although his first two NHL seasons were full of challenges, he will be that much better down the road. Stability in the coaching department would hasten Patrick’s developing his vast potential.
- Jamie Oleksiak, D, Dallas – Due to an onslaught of injuries, the Stars deployed 12 different defensemen last season, reacquiring Oleksiak from Pittsburgh to aid their depleted blue line. He’s 6-foot-7, 255-pounds, an intimidating presence to protect offensive D-men John Klingberg, Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell. He’s slotted for third pair duty.
- Kyle Brodziak, C, Edmonton – As the fourth-line center, Brodziak led the squad in faceoff percentage (52 percent) and was a primary penalty-killer while averaging 12 minutes of ice time per game. On a young Oilers team, Brodziak is the elder statesman and a role model for young centers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
- Taylor Fedun, D, Dallas – Fedun graduated from minor leaguer to depth defender when the Stars acquired him from Buffalo to help their injury-plagued blue line, then dressed him in 54 games plus playoffs. His surprising contributions earned him a $700,000 one-year, two-way contract for 2019-2020. He’s right behind fellow-Uke Oleksiak on the depth chart, which means he may spend time in the press box or in Texas (AHL).
- Brett Kulak, D, Montreal – Kulak has teamed with Jeff Petry on the second defense pairing due to his mobility, making him a better fit over newcomer Ben Chiarot. His numbers revealed his true worth: on ice for least shots by opposition/on ice for most shots by his team. Who knew he was so good? And he’s only 25.
- Cale Makar, D, Colorado – A sublime skater and playmaker already super poised at both ends, Makar is front-runner for the top rookie award (Calder Trophy) in 2019-2020. The Avalanche have sky-high hopes for this young man who had not yet played an NHL regular season game heading into this season, but starred in 10 playoff games after losing Frozen Four Finals.
- Jayce Hawryluk, RW, Florida – Hawryluk was penciled in as fourth-line right wing after sticking with the Panthers following early recall from Springfield (AHL). He could produce more offense if supported with higher quality line-mates. He likes to hit opposing forwards in open ice and has been a solid scorer in the minors.
- Curtis Lazar, RW, Buffalo – Lazar did not appear on parent club’s depth chart, meaning he was destined for Rochester (AHL) despite strong training camp/exhibition game performance. He scored 20 goals with Stockton (AHL) and the Sabres took a flyer on this still young high draft pick who was not developed in Ottawa.
- Zach Senyshyn, RW, Boston – A fast and intense winger, Senyshyn has been unable to replicate his junior production at the pro level. He was rated the Bruins’ ninth top prospect despite being drafted four years ago. His first NHL goal was scored in a late season call-up after so-so production at Providence (AHL) in 2018-2019.
Ihor Stelmach may be reached at [email protected].