NEWARK, N.J. — As the NHL regular season draws to a close, some players’ performances have fallen short of expectations. With playoffs on the horizon for some teams and others heading to the offseason, The Athletic sought input from its staff on which players have been most disappointing this season.
Eric Stephens highlighted Detroit winger Robby Fabbri, who was acquired in a salary dump but struggled with injuries and played only 44 games. Despite his energy, he netted just eight goals, failing to provide the depth scoring that was anticipated.
“If he could have solidified the third line, it would have given great value for little,” Stephens noted.
In Boston, goalie Jeremy Swayman faced similar challenges. After signing an eight-year, $66 million contract, Swayman’s performance was below expectations, with a .894 save percentage across 57 appearances, raising concerns in a position that had once been a team strength. “Goaltending became a weakness for the club,” Fluto Shinzawa reported.
Matthew Fairburn was critical of Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt, who was expected to thrive but posted a minus-19 rating and only 14 goals despite getting top-six and power-play minutes. He lit up for ten points in the last eight games, but it was too little too late with playoffs already out of reach.
Over in Calgary, Julian McKenzie pointed out how Yegor Sharangovich’s output dwindled in contrast to last season’s achievements. As the leading goal scorer last season, Sharangovich is now preparing for a five-year contract extension amid a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.
According to Cory Lavalette, Carolina’s Brent Burns has seen his point production drop significantly from 61 in his first season to just 28 this campaign, reflecting on an end to his days as a feared offensive player.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s Philipp Kurashev marked a disappointing season, netting only seven goals and seven assists across 50 games after showcasing his potential with Connor Bedard the previous year.
In Colorado, Jesse Granger expressed that Mittelstadt’s struggles were evident, not just in statistics but through the trade that sent him to Boston before the deadline.
Winnipeg’s Dylan DeMelo was selected as the most disappointing player. Even while the Jets had a strong season, Murat Ates felt DeMelo’s performance mirrored a general decline.
“It’s all relative,” Ates quoted. “Yet Stanley wins this unwanted prize due to his 17 minor penalties. He’s out-chanced and outscored, making it hard to justify his spot.”
As the season wraps up, many teams look to re-evaluate their lineups and prepare for the future. The stakes for these players have never been higher, as their respective teams head into the offseason.
