It’s been a strange season so far in the NHL.
St. Louis Blues forward Brayden Schenn is enjoying a Hart Trophy caliber campaign, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen is in contention for the Vezina trophy, and the Vegas Golden Knights are firmly in a playoff spot at the moment.
Yeah, things have been weird.
What has perhaps been the biggest shocker so far of the year has been who hasn’t scored so far. Across the league, some of the game's most recognizable names have yet to hit the back of the net. With that in mind, here are five players who have not scored a goal so far during the 2017-18 season.
Statistics were used from games prior to tonight's contests.
DUNCAN KEITH
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The former Conn Smythe trophy winner hasn’t exactly lit the lamp throughout his career, but has consistently ranged from 6-10 goals each season. Keith does most of his damage on the scoresheet through assists, but it still comes as somewhat of a shocker that he hasn’t fired one home yet. Through 32 games, the former 54th overall pick has 15 assists in 32 contests.
DUSTIN BYFUGLIEN
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Formerly a forward, “Buff’ knows a thing or two about scoring. Even after converting to defence, the Minnesota native has scored at least 13 goals in each of his last four seasons. But for whatever reason, the 6’5 behemoth hasn’t scored. Byfuglien was recently sent to the IR with a lower-body injury and won’t be breaking his drought any time soon.
JORI LEHETRA
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Lehetra was included in the package which sent Schenn to St. Louis, and he hasn’t exactly panned out like his counterpart. Through 17 games, the Finn has two assists after scoring seven, nine, and 14 over the past three seasons respectively. To say he hasn’t lived up to expectations would be an understatement, as Flyers fans can only hang their heads while watching Schenn’s success.
JANNIK HANSEN
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Hansen is on his back-nine, but his lack of scoring should still be viewed as a concern. A 20-goal-scorer in 2015-16, Hansen has just two assists in 21 games. With a cap-hit at $2.5 million, the Dane certainly hasn't been living up to his contract. He played in his 600th career NHL game this past Sunday.
RASMUS RISTOLAINEN
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Similar to Keith, Ristolainen hasn’t been regarded as a goal-scorer throughout his career. However, the former first roud pick has annually hovered between the 6-9 goal range. Through 22 games, the Sabres blue-liner has scored zero goals on 63 shots. Jake McCabe is the only Sabres defenceman with a goal this season.
With more than half a season remaining, there’s still plenty of time to turn things around. Which of these players do you think will be the first to score?
