My Favorite Player From Each Team, 2023 Edition

Some of these were tough calls, while others were pretty obvious.
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[@jeremynelson5311]

Even in a boring off-season Shannon is still working hard. 🤘

[@tomaskling2429]

Thats what makes this channel the best hockey channel on KZbin.

[@gocanuckurself1]

Every year! 👊

[@PrivatelyHanging]

It's not hard work, it's dedicated. Don't disrespect those of us that work hard and get no recognition...

[@theramplocal]

Shannon -hart trophy 2023

[@davyt0247]

Oh this is nothing new, he's always got content coming, that's what makes him the GOAT

[@chrisbelos2834]

Can you do a "all-time" list for your fav players of each team also? would love to see who you have as a all-time favorite for the habs (i would guess Roy)

[@gabrielproulx6316]

That's a great idea for a video. Good thinking. Mine is Maurice Richard for the Habs.

[@blackenedmagic888]

@@gabrielproulx6316 The "Big Bird" Larry Robinson for me.

[@Kieva_Storm]

That's a fantastic idea. Funny enough a lot of my all time favorites are active in the league, but Detroit(Datsyuk), Dallas(Modano), Colorado(Sakic), and Anaheim(Paul Kariya) stand as exceptions.

[@xNeo64]

he actually did that a few years ago

[@presorts]

I'm happy to see some between 2 stalls love. I'd recommend the Samuelsson episode to anyone interested

[@axe2grind244]

“Oh wait….those are Rasmus Dahlin’s stats”

[@bajjanitor]

What's your goal song? Why? I mean why do you have a goal song?

[@perrinayebarra]

“Another Swede”

[@colleenryeder]

Love Dawson Mercer, he’s smiles while playing is infectious! ❤tough pick for the devils, so many nice guys! Nicest team in NHL!!! ❤

[@crystalholloway2862]

He’ll yeah and he’s a Newfie too of course he’s got a smile on his face

[@donnybrook5671]

Wild Bill Karlsson was pretty fu*king great that first year in Vegas.

[@RobdaVegasMailman]

Karlsson has been a VGK favorite since day f++king one!

[@paulofearghail9408]

As an Avalanche fan, I appreciate your choice of Bo Byram. In addition to the talent, as you mentioned, he is such a good and enthusiastic kid who always has a smile and a positive attitude (from my observations). We all hope he has many injury-and concussion-free seasons.

[@garycollins6419]

You literally have zero game footage in your vids and still put out the best commentary/topics INO.

[@oceanshrugs9235]

As a Habs fan, Mitch is my favorite Leaf too. That Delay of Game penalty is honestly a treasured hockey memory for me lol. I knew we were winning at that point and celebrated it as hard as a goal. Not to rag on the guy but I really do smile when I think back on seeing that and being like "OH! OH THAT WAS OVER! WHAT?! WHY DID HE DO THAT?"

[@steveeaster6701]

The first season that Suzuki plays a full season with linemates that don't belong on a 4th line or AHL he will be a point a game player. It's a real shame he hasn't has more support other than the half season he's played with Caufield.

[@GG-ng6zm]

elite players will be ppg regardless of who they play with, just look at keller.

[@steveeaster6701]

@@GG-ng6zm I didn't say Suzuki is an elite player. Ideally he is one of the best 2nd line centers in the league. MTL has to find someone to take that #1 spot up the middle.

[@GG-ng6zm]

@@steveeaster6701 you need to be elite to be ppg. Unless you’re playing with mcdavid.

[@snipingforaday1736]

@@GG-ng6zm so patrice bergeron was only elite for one year during his career you're telling me?

[@snowfloofcathug]

@@GG-ng6zmare you simultaneously arguing that no one who’s not elite can reach a PPG and that anyone who’s elite will reach it regardless of who they play with?

[@boxercourage4384]

I love Elvis on CBJ even if he’s had a rough time lately

[@justinhenderson4901]

I love Shannon. The Hockey Guy is truly a perfect name for this gentleman 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@erjkvjking5371]

Leafs fan & was absolutely devastated when we traded Sandin. Kid was outstanding at times & no slouch on the defensive side of the game either; likely only going to her better too.

[@darkphoenix2]

Copp had a rough start to the season because of core surgery. I was pretty disappointed with how he looked at first, but he had missed training and preseason, and definitely got back into shape as the season went on. I feel okay about him now.

[@rickyhazel1030]

The Hockey Guy still the only person in hockey outside of LA that knows that not (only) does Roy exist but he's a pretty damn good player as well vastly underrated D-man who does everything and shuts down everyone smartest guy on the ice, whenever he's on the ice, no matter who's on the ice, and he plays with Anze Kopitar

[@brettkozak3479]

There was a rumour like 3 years or so ago that the Oilers might trade for Ekholm and ever since then it consumed me, it was all that I ever wanted, now that its come he's been more than what I even expected, the dude is straight up a massive beast

[@michaelkeller5927]

Looking forward to him leading the league in +/- My bold prediction is that he'll be over +100

[@HoTSHoTDaReBeL]

It's crazy to think you're almost at 300k SUBS now. You're living the dream covering hockey as a daily job. You deserve every ounce of success!

[@RedRisotto]

You are the hardest working dude in hockey and that includes KZbin and Mainstream media. Thank you!

[@RedRisotto]

Okay... Quinn Hughes!? He shoots like my grandma... Instead of throwing random pucks at the net... learn to make ONE move AND a pass instead. He should carry the puck... and learn to pass instead. He's numbers are inflated because he's always the last touch from a crippled/useless blueline.

[@Iamrocky5687]

I think mitch is the universal pick of all us non-leaf fans lmao

[@bdonaghu]

Not at all surprised to see Skinner up there. He's one of my favorites as well, as a Sabres fan. His smile is infectious.

[@richwheeler7645]

Handle with care. As a Canes fan he always seemed to disappear when needed most.

[@axe2grind244]

@@richwheeler7645That was a long time ago. Skins isn’t even close to being the closer on Buffalo…..he’s like their 4th best forward and he’s a ppg guy.

[@bajjanitor]

@@richwheeler7645 Don't you say that! Don't you dare say that there is no Between Two Staals season 2!

[@richwheeler7645]

@@axe2grind244 Suppose we'll hafta see if he ever gets a playoff game

[@LSA30]

Nice video! I’m gonna throw in my list as well, just for fun (and sorry for some of the obvious picks😅). TOR - Nylander TBL - Vasilevskiy COL - Makar VAN - Kuzmenko VGK - Theodore MTL - Suzuki PIT - Rust FLA - Montour WAS - Oshie NYI - Horvat DAL - Heiskanen CGY - Huberdeau LAK - Fiala STL - Kyrou CAR - Aho OTT - Tkachuk SEA - Tanev NYR - Lindgren PHI - Atkinson NJD - Palat WPG - Connor CBJ - Johnson MIN - Boldy BOS - Pastrnak SJS - Duclair EDM - McDavid BUF - Dahlin DET - Copp NAS - O’Reilly ARI - Vejmelka CHI - Bedard (don’t care he hasn’t played yet😂) ANA - McTavish

[@DocSportello1970]

You pick the Tkachuk in OTT but not in FLA....interesting.

[@kyledouglas1394]

TOR- Liljegren TBL- Kucherov COL- Makar VAN- Demko VGK- Marchessault MTL- Suzuki PIT- Smith FLA- Ekblad WSH- Wilson NYI- Pelech DAL- Pavelski CGY- Huberdeau LA- Kopitar STL- Vrana CAR- Svechnikov OTT- Chychrun SEA- Schwartz NYR- Kreider PHI- Tippett NJD- Bratt WPG- Ehlers CBJ- Severson MIN- Fleury BOS- Pastrnak SJS- Blackwood EDM- Hyman BUF- Tuch DET- Compher NSH- Glass ARI- Vejmelka CHI- Johnson ANA- Killorn

[@LSA30]

@@DocSportello1970 I’m a Panthers fan and I love me some Chucky too ;)

[@joestrunk9663]

great list if your putting Bedard up can you change CBJ to Johnson /Fantilli

[@judeau9151]

really stressed with work and had a anxiety attack. Desperately looked for an escape/distraction and a 40min hockey guy video came up in the feed. Thx for the company

[@eastvanisfun]

I appreciate you having a wealth of interesting editorial type things to talk about during the off-season, while big sports publications can't scramble together anything more than unrealistic trade proposals with click-baity syntax in the title

[@joepettibone]

My list: Ducks: Frank Vatrano Coyotes: Clayton Keller Bruins: David Pastrnak Sabres: Connor Clifton Flames: Blake Coleman Hurricanes: Jaccob Slavin Blackhawks: Connor Bedard Avalanche: Cale Makar Blue Jackets: Sean Kuraly Stars: Tyler Seguin Red Wings: Moritz Seider Oilers: Connor McDavid Panthers: Aleksander Barkov Kings: Anze Kopitar Wild: Kirill Kaprizov Canadiens: Arber Xhekaj Predators: Ryan O'Reilly Devils: Jack Hughes Islanders: Oliver Wahlstrom Rangers: Ryan Lindgren Senators: Tim Stutzle Flyers: Travis Sanheim Penguins: Sidney Crosby Sharks: Oskar Lindblom Kraken: Matty Beniers Blues: Kevin Hayes Lightning: Brayden Point Maple Leafs: Tyler Bertuzzi Canucks: Elias Pettersson Golden Knights: William Karlsson Capitals: Alex Ovechkin Jets: Connor Hellebuyck

[@kftc1980]

Wild Bill is a solid choice, Mr. Dependable.

[@kftc1980]

@@creep_n his nickname was not ironic, for a day.

[@joestrunk9663]

love wild Bill still mad at Jarmo for trading him from Columbus

[@petrpumpkineater]

​@@creep_n(hip thrust)

[@stanleyfranks9891]

@@joestrunk9663Not mad but bitter here😂

[@SabresGuy87]

I'm gonna guess is Alex Tuch from Buffalo, talk enough about him as underrated 😂

[@TheScotian82]

glad thats hysterical to yourself somehow!

[@MikeS29]

TOR - Giordano TBL - Point COL - Colton VAN - Hughes VGK - Marchessault MTL - WiFi PIT - Crosby FLA - Verhaeghe WAS - Oshie NYI - Barzal DAL - Oettenger CGY - Huberdeau LAK - Kopitar STL - Kyrou CAR - Slavin OTT - Tkachuk SEA - Gourde NYR - Fox PHI - Hart NJD - Palat WPG - Connor CBJ - Johnson MIN - Boldy BOS - McAvoy SJS - Couture EDM - Draisaitl BUF - Dahlin DET - Sprong NAS - McDonagh ARI - Vejmelka CHI - Johnson ANA - Killorn

[@TheParadoxDestroyer]

Copp had a slow start in Detroit because he was still recovering from core muscle surgery. You could see him regaining his strength over time.

[@skyatollah2skyharder276]

I'm astounded by how many people don't take that into consideration. I keep hearing "Oh, Copp hasn't lived up to his contract..." Like bruh. He was productive last season when he started it hurt. He'll be great this season.

[@TheParadoxDestroyer]

@@skyatollah2skyharder276 Hope you're right. I remember how long it took for Verlander to recover from the same type of surgery. It was over a year before he looked like himself again.

[@ac8274]

I love these videos. Love learning about players around the league that I don’t hear a lot about.

[@Dutchovenderlinde]

As an Avs fan, we have an abundance of players I could call a favorite...I'm really pulling for Byram to stay healthy. My favorite was always Landeskog, but since he's been out the last season and will be out this year, my favorite is Makar. Just an incredible player.

[@AP3XZ3R0]

Nate Dawg is my favorite since he entered the league. He deserves to be Captain going forward, Mikko and Makar Alternates.

[@philtorrez4198]

I have a feeling it’s gonna be Keller for AZ. Kid can literally stick handle in a phone booth with those silky mitts!

[@philtorrez4198]

Can’t disagree with Schmaltz. He’s up there for me as well, I just think Keller’s talent and skill outshine him a bit.

[@CleonofAthens]

McAvoy is actually a top 6 defensemen and is the product of his team and reputation forcing him in to the 1st pairing role.

[@southpawjimmy9735]

He's a great transition game player and a pretty good hitter. But he's also your number 3/4 option on the PK and he's improving but not stellar on the PP. And yeah, he partakes in the blame for the playoff loss. Maybe not as much as other seasons, i.e. '21 Isles series... yuk.

[@CleonofAthens]

@@southpawjimmy9735 Hes a terrible transition player. He doesnt provide any upside 5 on 5 and his rushes rob the forwards of scoring chances. Theres 21 Defensemen with more even strength pts than him last year, and 20 of them didnt play on the best team in history. All his points are secondary assists on the PP and hes the least efficient in that role yet they constantly throw him out on it. Bergeron and Marchands decline in offensive production in can be directly tied to his rushes as theyre stuck covering for him constantly. the plus minus difference between him and Lindholm, Gryz, and Carlo who are all 15 pts ahead is because 15 times he got caught out on the rush back, and Bergeron couldnt bail him out... Carlo and Gryz are plus 44 and 46... McAvoys at 29... Lindolms at 49. NO EXCUSES. Hes trash.

[@jameskilgour387]

Tor - Reilly Tbl - Sergachev Col - Byram Van - EP40 Vgk - Karlsson Mtl - Suzuki Pens - Rakell Flo - Reinhart Was - Sandin NYI - Horvat Dal - Seguin Cal - Kadri Lak - Fiala Stl - Blais Car - TT Ott - Tarasenko Sea - Dunn Nyr - Miller Phi - Tippett Njd - Toffolli Wpg - Ehlers Cbj. - provorov Min - Brodin Boston - Pasta Sjs - duclair Edm - Nuge Buf - Dahlin Det - Seider Nas - Saros Ari - Stetcher Chi - Donato Ana - Vatrano

[@SartoBanda]

when he wrote down Robert Thomas I screamed with excitement. Thomas is an unbelievable player!!! I can't imagine where he will be 5 years from now.

[@ryant50]

I was thinking he would either say Thomas or Schenn. Sure enough, Bobby Thom on the board! What a promising young player

[@alphaxion]

Vatrano was one of those I feel the Rangers really, really missed this past season. I wish we could have kept him.

[@canesfan1526]

Of Slavins 13,302 minutes played in the league 78 of them were penalty minutes. Just does not get talked about enough what he’s doing. Should get a few more Byngs.

[@joestrunk9663]

Totally agree

[@BrianDBoyd-do7iu]

Shannon, as a Coyotes fan you have no idea how happy it made me that Barrett Hayton was the first player you named after Nick Schmaltz. He's my current favorite Coyote and has been since the Garland and Kuemper trades

[@gsipp00]

Mitch Mariner also my favorite player in the league despite being a Lightning fan.

[@deniesep6120]

As a Pens fan I miss Teddy Blueger. But so happy for him that his name is on the Stanley cup!

[@axe2grind244]

We all need to see the episode of Between 2 Staals with THG. Skins is such a beauty.

[@Wild4Hockey]

Ride the Gus Bus!! Great choice for Wild player. Excellent goalie who shares praise with the team.

[@FrankieHresko]

Dawson Mercer reminds me John Madden! Can you do a career video on him pls 🙏

[@gift-shop]

Thanks Yvonne for quietly converting Shannon into a Jets fan

[@quag311]

“Vegas fans, it hasn’t changed, it’s been Wild Bill (since day f*cking one!)”

[@DocSportello1970]

Love me some Chabot...but I Predict THG will be picking Sanderson or Stutzle in the next few years. GO SENS GO!

[@BlakeWheelersBurnerAccount]

I like how Shannon went out of his way to not put super stars on this list. That’s how you grow the game.

[@csolivais1979]

No, if you listen to Shannon for any length of time his favorite players are often the hard working bottom 6 guys.

[@BlakeWheelersBurnerAccount]

@@csolivais1979 why start off your response with no? Makes no sense and makes you sound like a pompous ass.

[@isaacwest276]

As an Oilers fan I loved being a Marner-hater, but that stopped two years ago. I love a lot about his talent and intelligence.

[@ggitslificious]

just watched the entire video, nice list

[@shanielcabral]

One thing I’ve always loved about Shannon is he appreciates the underrated hard working players sm

[@alexbruckner8245]

Best hockey channel on yt fr

[@tonyv1695]

Great list to show cap space ranking. Thanks so much.

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

Mitch marner is by far my favorite Leaf, he is so overly blamed for every failure by some Leaf fans but the dude is freaking phenomenal everywhere on the ice. Also Slavin on the Canes, heck yes, best shutdown guy in the league by a mile

[@aeofilmsinc.9768]

Matt Roy is solid. Always has been.

[@Yo_Adrienne]

I wish Schmaltz was still a Blackhawk. Typical lack-of-patience trade by Stan Bowman. It's good to see him doing well in Arizona. It's also good Raddysh making the most of his opportunity in Chicago. He's not my favorite Hawk, but he's up there. He's one of the more underrated players, Can't wait to see what he does along side some of his new team mates this season.

[@aaronbryson9908]

Kings have so many underrated players. Even their biggest stars I would argue are still underrated Doughty and Kopitar don't get enough love

[@JeffGR4]

*Hey, Shannon, you didn't mention Jack Hughes for New Jersey... he's fantastic!!* (Nico Hischier as well.) Trevor Zegras is my favorite Anaheim Duck. Artemi Panarin is the coolest NY Ranger. Owen Power is my pick for Buffalo. For the Habs, it's got to be Cole Caufield. Center Matty Beniers is my favorite Kraken. In agreement about Leafs' dynamite RW Mitch Marner - he's my current favorite player in the league.

[@dennybarlau8065]

The NHL uses a 3 year models for goalies that's a plus for Minnesota

[@thestig1611]

Great video as always Shannon. Would love to see you do more redrafts from the 80s and 90s.

[@ericmiller5748]

As a Hawks fan, I really hope Raddysh stays on the second line. I see a considerable bright future with Raddysh as our second line RW until Nazar is ready.

[@tdfmtig]

Remember watching Robertson play in the WJC for USA. Always thought he was going to be a great 3rd line player for Dallas I don’t think anyone expected he’d be that good

[@AP3XZ3R0]

As an Avs fan since I was a kid Nathan MacKinnon is my favorite, and he deserves to be named Captain, with Mikko and Makar as Alternates. Landy missing another season. He was also the real MVP on that Stanley Cup run.

[@samgray3612]

You may have done a video like this because I know you’ve talked about the Norris trophy, but do you think you could do a video where you break up the award into top scoring defensemen, best all around defensemen, and best shutdown defensemen and who you think each would be next season?

[@Jayzon666]

This list would make for a pretty good team roster!

[@toyota283528]

And on the all time team, my list: Brian Leetch #2 Peter Forsberg #21 The End!

[@SirianXM]

Me & THG quoting the late, not-so-great Benning: "*sigh*... I love Quinn Hughes"

[@patbankowski]

Copp had core surgery last offseason missed all a camp and still had the 2nd highest point total of his career. He will be just fine this season with a full camp

[@DerektheMotorider]

Of this list I have jerseys of Byram, Roy, Thomas, Dunn, konecny, Connor, k. Johnson, couture, Ekholm, josi,

[@brandonb.6099]

Really enjoy the new videos every day,

[@WeHateThePatriots]

Was super surprised you didn't pick Barabonov for the Sharks, I know you're a buf fan of his as am i!

[@jonathanriikonen690]

These are his personal opinions. I have my own favorites and not any of them appear in his list.

[@ari1234a]

Okay Shannon as defenseman yes Hughes has talent but the best overall Canuck is Homelander. He has speed, power, stamina and out of this world ice IQ.

[@rocketrae21]

Can you tell Vegas to never move Wild Bill. He's my favorite. Next video idea, what players team should never get rid of because they are cool dudes

[@kftc1980]

He has a decent chance of sticking around. Players that versatile are hard to replace. After years of mediocre offensive production he will take a pay cut. (At least inflation adjusted). Smith is not Karlsson, nor are any of the guys they have cut ties with.

[@NordicDartfrog]

I'm a Ducks fan and I tend to go for goalies as my favs.....BUT for now McTavish is the guy for me for the moment.

[@LoosMoose]

Ryan Lindgren... the Cyborg... what a guy.

[@J_Aaron_L]

Shannon is wrong. These aren't his favorite players. 😉

[@coreypnorris]

Shannon might be the president of the Taylor Raddysh fan club.

[@baohoaily]

Shannon grinding 🎉

[@88bahl]

an 80 point season for mercer should not come unexpected/seen as a challenge... i get what youre getting at but his ceiling is not at all clutch playoff role player; he has top line player talent potential

[@rafaeluryayev7174]

No Matthew Tkachuk for Florida? Playing with a broken sternum?

[@DaneLikesStanding]

Tuch, Blueger, Donskoi... Betcha they are on here or honorably mentioned

[@nerdingout3560]

Marner is my favorite from Toronto as well

[@joeb2151]

I'm right there with you on TK in Philly. He just seems to try so hard at the expense of his body. On a team that was garbage. It will break my heart if he leaves.

[@joestrunk9663]

really torn between Austin an Mitch for leafs. rangers has to be Mika. cant decide on jets. josh, mark ,helly and conner.all the jackets are my favorites . great list totally agree with your picks i can root for all those guys . accept after season starts thanks for posting

[@bryanhill6839]

jeff skinners between 2 stalls makes him my favourite player of all time. hes the goat

[@TheGuilty11]

Can't argue against any of those players....BUT since this nice friday video i'm going to toss and opinion. I was a bit surprised that there was 0 finnish players in this list even if there is crazy amount of THG favorites like Hinz, Heiskanen, Aho (both), Rantanen, Lehkonen, Laine, Barkov, Lundell, Luostarinen.... And ofc i'm joking :) It is in Finnish culture to not be exiting...or flashy....or known....Just do your job as well as you can :) Some of those rebel fins try to break this tradition by doing some fancy "between legs goal" against Carey Price but gosh....damn those. Finns are just reliable uninteresting silent stars :) And it seems we are cheap too...How many finnish players have over 10mil cap hit?

[@joestrunk9663]

your list is awesome to. Laine is my favorite love the jets and Columbus is my home team

[@Entearity]

Some underrated players on that list, that's for sure!

[@nytrocircus]

Solid sort out!

[@andrewweir2190]

Matt Roy Michigan Tech legend great pick

[@jensakaa5436]

Yay some love for swedish players! 😊 Really thought you would have Dahlin in Buffalo tho.

[@catmelvin997]

JR in Dallas, whoda thunk it!

[@tngxdfgbb]

Feel bad for Shannon when quinn comes to Newark

[@Mark-xl1ze]

Roope Hintz from the Stars for me.

[@spankmyneck]

I love how this felt like a guessing game.😃

[@DucksUpDogsDownCatsSlide]

I am glad that Jeff Skinner is finally get utilized properly in Buffalo.

[@5ch3nk]

The firing of Ralph Kreuger is the best thing that ever happened to Jeff Skinner.

[@sheaandrus-oak6546]

I put the 3-1 lead blowout not to boston playing bad but to Floridas tinasity

[@yockshocks6234]

Love that stadium series jersey. Rare

[@jonahs52803]

as a rangers fan i LOVE lindgren i hope he’s here for a long time

[@KFCs2FilthyFlow]

Cheering for Bruins is a bridge too far for many. And you’d have to watch on mute to avoid Jack Edwards!

[@modernhockeycards]

“Between 2 Stalls”. lol

[@MySundin13]

Tanev is a great pick.... He's great, but I have a feeling his career will be cut short. Injured often. Sucks

[@BadBoiFilms]

Least favourite players next?