The Puck Stops Here

Usually, the most underrated player in the NHL is a player who does not score well but is an outstanding defensive player, who plays in a small market and thus has not been noticed by the mainstream press. However, thats not true right now. The most underrated player in the NHL plays in one of its largest markets (Los Angeles). He is the highest scoring defender in the NHL this season. He is Lubomir Visnovsky.

I am at a loss to try to explain the lack of recognition Visnovsky has recieved for his current season. His 57 points in 59 games makes him the top scoring defender in the NHL. He is also a more than respectable defensive player. His +12 rating is one of the better +/- ratings on the Los Angeles Kings.

Visnovsky is 29 years old and probably in his prime right now. He has been a consistent solid offensive defenceman, though has never had his current level of success in the past. In fact, his previous best season was 39 points in his 2000/01 rookie year.

While Visnovsky has little chance at the Norris trophy at this point (I would give it to Wade Redden right now), I think he would likely be worthy of a second team all star spot on defence.

Visnovsky is a very good skater, who is very good at carrying the puck up the ice and playing as a power play point man. He has come into his own as an NHL star. So far nobody has noticed. He has been the most underrated player in the NHL so far this year ... and that is suprising since he plays in Los Angeles.