#14 – Roope Hintz
Those that don’t watch many Dallas Stars games may not get to appreciate the ability Roope Hintz brings to the rink. The 26-year-old center from Tampere, Finland has played five years in the NHL.
In May of 2021, Hintz needed surgery to repair a tendon issue in his groin area. Since then, he’s been unbelievable. He played 80 games during the 2021-2022 campaign where he recorded 37 goals and 35 assists for 72 points. Hintz followed that up last season when he once again potted 37 goals. He also added 38 assists for a total of 75 points.
#13 – Cole Caufield
Cole Caufield has the potential to be one of the best players in the NHL. He has shown glimpses of it in his short time playing in the league.
Caufield was an exciting selection for the Montreal Canadiens when they got him in the 15th slot of the 2019 draft. Since he wasn’t ready to play in the NHL right away, he continued playing for the Wisconsin Badgers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 2021, Caufield was voted the winner of the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top men’s player in NCAA Division I.
In January, with the Habs firmly out of a playoff position, the team shut Caufield down due to a shoulder injury. This gave the 22-year-old right-winger the opportunity to get the surgery he needed.
In June, Caufield agreed to a contract extension with the Canadiens. He signed an eight year pact worth $62.8M. That’s a $7.85M AAV. Caufield doesn’t have any restrictions until the final three years of the deal. That’s when a modified no-trade clause kicks in.
Last season, in 46 games Caufield scored 26 goals and added 10 helpers for a total of 36 points.