Following the victory in Game 7 of last year’s final, the Florida Panthers celebrated with the Stanley Cup. For some, like Carter Verhaeghe, the feeling was familiar. However, for most of the team, it was the first time they touched the coveted trophy.
One of them was Kyle Okposo, who, after 17 seasons and more than 1,000 games, finally achieved his dream in the NHL.
As the Panthers advanced towards the championship, Okposo became the “veteran without a Cup” that fans rallied around. To determine which players deserve to lift the Stanley, the Cup Worthiness Rankings (CWR) were created.
Methodology of the CWR
Active players with the most regular season games without winning the Cup were analyzed, with a limit of 850 games. Points were awarded based on the number of regular season and playoff games played, in addition to the number of years in the league.
The proximity of a player to winning the Cup was also considered. Points were awarded for reaching conference finals and the Stanley Cup final. In addition, points were awarded to players who were traded by a team that subsequently won the Cup.
A prestige factor was added, giving points to players who won NHL awards in recognition of their star status. Points were also awarded to players who won the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP in a losing final.
Top 10 Most Meritorious Veterans
- Matt Duchene, Dallas Stars (53 CWR)
- John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs (57 CWR)
- Adam Henrique, Edmonton Oilers (70 CWR)
- Charlie Coyle, Colorado Avalanche (72 CWR)
- Evander Kane, Edmonton Oilers (72 CWR)
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers (75 CWR)
- Max Pacioretty, Toronto Maple Leafs (78 CWR)
- Ryan Suter, St. Louis Blues (83 CWR)
- Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars (102 CWR)
- Brent Burns, Carolina Hurricanes (110 CWR)
The Most Meritorious at Their Best
These are the five most outstanding players who have not yet won the Cup, but who have played fewer than 850 games in their careers:
- Tomas Hertl, Vegas Golden Knights (51 CWR)
- Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars (53 CWR)
- Nate Schmidt, Florida Panthers (58 CWR)
- Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers (66 CWR)
- Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (74 CWR)
Goalkeepers with Merit for the Cup
Finally, the goalies were evaluated based on their experience in the regular season and playoffs, including appearances in conference finals and the Stanley Cup, NHL awards, and trades before their teams won the Cup.
- Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes (21 CWR)
- Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets (25 CWR)
- Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars (31 CWR)
The quest for the Stanley Cup continues, and these veteran and prime-time players, along with the goalies, eagerly await the opportunity to lift the most coveted trophy in ice hockey.
