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Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
Value. It’s a loaded, variable term. Especially in the sports sphere. We’ve seen it all before: a struggling player cut from one team goes on to thrive somewhere else. Right place, right time, right fit. It all adds up to that ultimate, intrinsic individual value.
WIth that in mind, we’re anointing the NHL’s All-Value Team for 2023-24. In this instance, it’s the guy on a (relatively) team-friendly contract who is capably outperforming it with all he’s adding to the lineup.
And no, skaters on entry-level deals were not eligible to be chosen (sorry, Connor Bedard).
Without further ado, let’s peel back the curtain on some of those hidden (or not-so-hidden) gems making the most of their opportunities while taking up a small percentage of their team’s salary cap space.
Note: All stats are through the games of Jan. 23.
Atlantic Division
Stats: 42 GP | 7 G | 22 A
Cap hit: $1,000,000
The No. 2 pick from 2007 has still got it — and he’s bringing it every night for the Bruins without breaking the bank. The veteran winger is working on a $1 million deal, and has already matched his point total from last season (29). He provides the Bruins with excellent net-front presence on the power play and remains a versatile forward to deploy anywhere in the lineup. He has been an ideal signing for Boston.
Stats: 44 GP | 9 G | 7 A
Cap hit: $2,500,000
Okposo is more than just Buffalo’s captain. He’s the club’s glue-guy inside and outside the dressing room, and he uses his veteran experience to be of help in every type of scenario for the Sabres. Buffalo shelling out $2.5 million for Okposo is a wise allocation of resources, considering the breadth of what he gives back by way of offense (16 points in 44 games), versatility (most recently enlivening the Sabres’ third line) and leadership. The latter is critically important, and there’s no way to measure (in dollars and cents) how great Okposo’s presence can be.
Stats: 47 GP | 12 G | 19 A
Cap hit: $2,000,000
The 2015 second-rounder has crafted a complementary role in the Red Wings’ offense, without overextending his team financially, with a $2 million cap hit. The 26-year-old has capably provided Detroit with the necessary depth to help them weather their first-half ups-and-downs, and he’s top five on the team with 12 goals and 31 points in 47 games. He’s been the real deal in every sense for Detroit.
Stats: 46 GP | 3 G | 10 A
Cap hit: $2,500,000
Mikkola is having a career-best season patrolling the Panthers’ blue line — and Florida gets the goods at a reasonable $2.5 million cap hit. The club’s leader in blocked shots and hits has matched all his previous statistical highs, and he’s been a nightly game-changer for one of the league’s top squads. What an addition he’s been.
Stats: 47 GP | 2 G | 11 A
Cap hit: $1,700,00
Evans floats throughout Montreal’s lineup to give coach Martin St. Louis options up front. That adaptability can be a strong suit — and the Canadiens are getting it for only $1.7 million. Evans’ strength is the overall minutes he can handle, and the physical presence he can add for Montreal; he won’t land in too many highlights, but he plays a key role for the club as it builds back toward contention.
Stats: 33 GP | 8 G | 14 A
Cap hit: $2,950,000
Despite a rough season in general for the club, Joseph has made the most of his opportunities this season in Ottawa; it’s paid off on the scoresheet, with eight goals and 22 points in 33 games. That’s music to the Senators’ collective ears given Joseph’s relatively inexpensive $2.95 million deal. It’s enough return that Joseph seems to routinely earn more looks and responsibilities as the Senators continue looking for sparks.
Stats: 47 GP | 8 G | 7 A
Cap hit: $800,000
Eyssimont sneakily wound his way into a regular role for the Lightning this season. And what a bargain he’s been. Eyssimont has appeared in more games (47) and scored more goals (8) and points (14) than ever before in his NHL career, and that’s been a major boost for Tampa Bay’s inconsistent offense. The Lightning’s cap situation requires finding inexpensive diamonds like Eyssimont — and he has polished up nicely.
Stats: 9-6-1 | 2.64 GAA | .911 SV%
Cap hit: $875,000
The well-traveled Jones has rapidly earned his keep, going from Toronto’s third-string netminder to its No. 1 option — all on an $875,000 deal. That’s well below what Toronto’s supposed starter Ilya Samsonov is pulling in ($3.55 million), which has been a big boost given Samsonov’s struggles on the ice this season.
Metropolitan Division
Stats: 44 GP | 11 G | 16 A
Cap hit: $762,500
Look up “depth guy” in your hockey lingo guide, and you might find Noesen’s photo. The veteran is excellent along the boards, packs a punch when it’s needed, brings a key net-front element to the Hurricanes’ power play and can generally chip in anywhere on the ice. He’s still doing it all at 30 years old, and Carolina is fortunate to have him on the cheap.
Stats: 46 GP | 9 G | 9 A
Cap hit: $975,000
Consider him Mr. Fix-It for Columbus — and his services are costing the Blue Jackets just $975,000. When captain Boone Jenner went down with injury, it was the veteran Danforth tapped to take on a top-line role with Johnny Gaudreau and Adam Fantilli. But Danforth can heat up anywhere (at 5-on-5 or on special teams), and that ability is everything for an injury-prone club like Columbus.
Stats: 40 GP | 6 G | 10 A
Cap hit: $1,000,000
The Devils’ hidden ace — at a cool $1 million per season. The 28-year-old is an excellent puck possession forward who has elevated New Jersey’s bottom six with a combination of speed and physicality. He’s also been an important voice in the Devils’ locker room, earning praise from coach Lindy Ruff for sending a message when it’s needed. And a bonus: Lazar has nearly matched his previous career high in points, too (he has 16 in 40 games so far).
Stats: 27 GP | 3 G | 6 A
Cap hit: $1,000,000
Reilly landed in the Islanders’ lap as a waiver claim wielding a $1 million cap hit. In turn, Reilly has carved out an impactful role on New York’s back end, where his poise with the puck, excellent breakouts and offensive skills have combined to make him a perfect low-cost, high-reward option any team would be lucky to have.
Stats: 46 GP | 4 G | 17 A
Cap hit: $825,000
An absolute steal for New York. The veteran blueliner came aboard at $825,000, and he is a rock on the Rangers’ back end. Gustafsson can shoulder big minutes, and he seamlessly took over quarterbacking New York’s top power-play unit when Adam Fox was injured. Plus, Gustafsson has been a consistent even-strength offensive contributor all season. The Rangers are getting bang for their buck with the 31-year-old Swedish player.
Stats: 46 GP | 18 G | 12 A
Cap hit: $1,500,000
The No. 10 pick of the 2017 draft has had an impressive season, making his $1.5 million contract look even better by comparison. The winger has collected 18 goals and 30 points in 46 games to be a top-five producer in the (surprisingly strong) Flyers offense. Tippett’s confidence has appeared to skyrocket along with his team’s mounting overall success, although he is currently day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
Stats: 44 GP | 6 G | 9 A
Cap hit: $925,000
O’Connor is (finally) coming into his own — and Pittsburgh is reaping the benefits of a $925,000 cap hit. The 25-year-old has already established new career highs in goals and points, while earning an elevated top-six role in the Penguins’ offense. The winger from New Jersey has worked his way up from undrafted NCAA free agent to a key role for a team with big playoff hopes.
Stats: 9-5-3 | 2.27 GAA | .926 SV%
Cap hit: $1,100,000
A revelation for Washington this season — at a quite reasonable $1.1 million. Lindgren is top 10 among NHL goalies in save percentage (.926) and goals-against (2.27) with a strong 9-5-3 record. That has put him well past Darcy Kuemper (and his $5.25 million cap hit) on Washington’s goaltending depth chart. When he’s available and healthy, there’s no better option than Lindgren to keep the Capitals humming in net.
Central Division
Stats: 17-9-1 | 2.47 GAA | .919 SV%
Cap hit: $1,950,000
Ingram is one of the NHL’s best stories of the season so far. Fortunately, he’s also one of the Coyotes’ most cap-friendly stars, with a hit of only $1.95 million. In return, Ingram has backstopped Arizona with high-end results, including a .919 SV% and 2.47 GAA that rank him among the league’s top netminders. An excellent waiver claim all around by Arizona.
Stats: 42 GP | 5 G | 5 A
Cap hit: $758,333
An under-the-radar contributor for the Blackhawks, and likely outperforming the $758,333 deal they’ve got him signed on. Recently Raddysh has been given top-line minutes, and his output has held up nicely, with five goals and 10 points on the season. Raddysh isn’t the flashiest of skaters, but he gives Chicago necessary versatility on a team-friendly salary.
Stats: 45 GP | 10 G | 16 A
Cap hit: $825,000
Drouin is a top-line option for the Avalanche, playing on a one-year, $825,000 deal. That sums up value right there. Drouin has made the most of his opportunity next to junior hockey teammate Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, producing 10 goals and 26 points through 45 games. It’s the first time Drouin has hit double digits in goals since 2018-19. Colorado’s limited financial investment continues paying off.
Stats: 46 GP | 15 G | 27 A
Cap hit: $3,000,000
The veteran pivot was bought out by Nashville last summer, and that made him the ultimate bargain signing for the Stars. In Duchene, Dallas has a point-per-game skater (with 15 goals and 42 points in 46 games) who’s excelling at 5-on-5 and on special teams, all for a $3 million cap hit. If Duchene keeps that production up, he’ll no doubt help Dallas reach greater heights in the season’s second half.
Stats: 47 GP | 8 G | 16 A
Cap hit: $2,000,000
Johansson is one of Minnesota’s most consistent, hardworking forwards. The Wild have to like that — especially with Johansson’s cap hit clocking in at just $2 million. The 33-year-old pocketed eight goals and 24 points in 46 games while playing over 16 minutes per game. He also has the ability to rotate through any game situation or responsibility. That’s a solid perk.
Stats: 36 GP | 8 G | 13 A
Cap hit: $800,000
The type of player a team misses when he’s not available. Nashville certainly felt that when Novak — off to a great start as the team’s second-leading scorer — was sidelined in November by injury. Those weeks without him only underscored how Novak’s contributions as a middle-six forward and power-play driver have elevated the Predators’ attack. Novak’s eight goals and 21 points in 35 games have cost the team just $800,000.
Stats: 45 GP | 5 G | 12 A
Cap hit: $775,000
Sundqvist must be seen to be fully appreciated. He’s more than stats on a scoresheet; it’s more about how he works on every shift, is reliable with the puck, knows when — and how — to make the right play, and generally manages to have an impact in every phase of the game. St. Louis is getting all of that for the low price of a league minimum deal. No complaints there.
Stats: 42 GP | 6 G | 19 A
Cap hit: $2,000,000
Namestnikov is having his best season in years — and Winnipeg is loving every minute of it, while shelling out just $2 million for his services. The 31-year-old forward skates over 15 minutes per game, with excellent output at even strength and on the power play. His six goals and 25 points in 42 games (with a plus-18 rating) have Namestnikov more than earning his keep in the Jets’ lineup.
Pacific Division
Stats: 46 GP | 0 G | 4 A
Cap hit: $2,750,000
The former Sabre has rotated into a top-pairing spot patrolling Anaheim’s blue line without costing the Ducks a pretty penny. The hard-hitting defenseman doesn’t contribute on the scoresheet as much as some other blueliners, but he impacts the game in other ways. For a team full of younger players, Lyubushkin’s versatility playing throughout Anaheim’s lineup is what sets the 29-year-old apart.
Stats: 33 GP | 4 G | 7 A
Cap hit: $775,000
It took time for Pospisil to find a place in Calgary’s lineup, but once he did — wow. The 24-year-old became comfortably situated with Nazem Kadri and Connor Zary, combining a forechecking physicality and playmaking flare, all for a $775,000 cap hit. The 6-foot-2 player has size and skill to spare, with an enviable skating ability to put him over the top. Calgary can’t wait to get him back from injury.
Stats: 42 GP | 9 G | 10 A
Cap hit: $2,100,000
McLeod has made steady improvements all season in Edmonton to outplay his $2.1 million contract. The 24-year-old has earned an opportunity in the Oilers’ top six alongside bona fide (and highly compensated) stars such as Leon Draisaitl, showing off great speed and consistent production (nine goals and 19 points in 41 games). That’s an undeniable deal for Edmonton.
Stats: 14-11-5 | 2.44 GAA | .915 SV%
Cap hit: $1,000,000
Talbot has earned Vezina Trophy buzz (and an All-Star nod) for his terrific season so far. And to think that this resurgence has been on a $1 million cap hit. The veteran came out of the gate playing better than he had in years, and his .915 SV% and 2.44 GAA prove how consistent he’s been in the crease. Although the team in front of him has hit some bumps of late, Talbot should be backstopping the club into the playoffs this spring.
Stats: 48 GP | 14 G | 7 A
Cap hit: $1,450,000
The former Devil found a new groove offensively through the first half of the season and has emerged as one of San Jose’s top scorers — while also among the club’s lowest-paid skaters at just $1.45 million. Zetterlund’s 14 goals in 48 games is second only to Tomas Hertl, and his increased confidence has slowly turned Zetterlund into an all-around playmaker within the Sharks’ often-sputtering offense. If anything, San Jose could use more Zetterlunds in its lineup.
Stats: 46 GP | 12 G | 17 A
Cap hit: $1,450,000
Although the Preds couldn’t seem to unlock Tolvanen’s potential, he has been the ultimate waiver-wire pickup for the Kraken. His $1.45 million salary is a bargain-basement buy considering all that Tolvanen brings to Seattle — he’s a top-five producer offensively (with 12 goals and 29 points in 46 games), can thrive under a heavy workload and contributes on special teams.
Stats: 46 GP | 12 G | 11 A
Cap hit: $825,000
Joshua has found his niche on the Canucks’ third line with Conor Garland and Teddy Blueger. Their undeniable chemistry (and outright success) has made Joshua — and his $825,000 cap hit — the steal of the season for Vancouver. The 6-3 player packs a wallop, and he has already produced the best scoring totals of his career (12 goals and 23 points in 46 games). The Canucks must enjoy him now because if Joshua maintains this pace, there will be a deserved pay raise in his future.
Stats: 42 GP | 6 G | 11 A
Cap hit: $762,500
Recently injured, Amadio has been an effective role player for the reigning Stanley Cup champions this season, after finishing with five goals and 10 points during their run to the Cup last spring. All of that was hardly a guarantee when the Golden Knights grabbed him off waivers and signed him to a two-year, $1.525 million deal in October of last season. In hindsight? What a solid bet, indeed. Amadio is a reliable bottom-six forward in Vegas, with 17 points in 42 games putting him on pace for some career-best totals this season.