For the second straight month, St. Louis Blues goalender Brian Elliott is my choice as the best money player in the NHL. His hold on the position is starting to weaken however as he can’t even be considered the starter on his own team at this point. The first time all-star is joined by some familiar faces on the list and a veteran New Jersey Devil who makes his debut at #10.
Here is who made the cut in January’s edition of Bang For The Buck:
*Note: The list does not include players who are still working off their rookie contracts
*Previous ranking in brackets
Cap hit– 0.650
Most laughable comparison: None
*After a two-year absence from the NHL, the 35-year-old Sykora’s production has been a big boost up front for the surprising Devils.
9. (NR) Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens
Cap hit- 1.572
46 GP, 17 G, 18 A
Most laughable comparison: Scott Gomez- cap hit of 7.357 (19 GP, 0 G, 7 A)
*Pacioretty continues to show signs of becoming an elite goal-scorer and is well on his way to a 30-goal season this year.
Cap hit– 0.675
48 GP, 13 G, 8 A, +5
Most laughable comparison: Tomas Kopecky-cap hit of 3.000 (47 GP, 6 G, 14 A, -10)
*Still the leading goal-scorer among NHL defencemen, Garrison is the only blueliner to make an appearance in the top 10 this month.
7. (NR) Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes
Cap hit- 2.000
38 GP, 18-13-7, 2.44 GAA, 0.92 sv%
Most laughable comparison: Michal Rozsival- cap hit of 5.000 (22 GP, 0 G, 5 A)
*Atlhough the Coyotes currently stand three points out of a playoff spot in the West, the play of Smith has been a major reason why they remain in the hunt.
6. (5) Rich Peverley, Boston Bruins
Cap hit- 1.325
41 GP, 8 G, 25 A, +18
Most laughable comparison: None
*Peverley continues to perform as perhaps the best third-line center in the league for the dominant Bruins.
5. (9) Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
Cap hit- 2.250
42 GP, 30-11-1, 2.03 GAA, 0.92 save%
Most laughable comparison: None
*The NHL’s leader in wins, Howard is coming off his first all-star selection and has put himself on the short list for the Vezina Trophy.
4. (4) Kyle Wellwood, Winnipeg Jets
Cap hit– 0.700
50GP, 9 G, 21 A
Most laughable comparison: Andrew Ladd– cap hit of 4.400 (50 GP, 16 G, 9 A)
*Wellwood had a strong month of January and continues to be a source of a production for the now struggling Jets.
3. (3) P.A Parenteau, New York Islanders
Cap hit– 1.250
48 GP, 10 G, 33 A
Most laughable comparison: Brian Rolston- cap hit of 5.062 (41 GP, 4 G, 4 A)
*Despite being taken off the John Tavares and Matt Moulson line, Parenteau keeps racking up points and finds himself in the top 30 of league scoring.
Cap hit– 0.850
Most laughable comparison: Gomez
*The diminutive Desharnais is tied for second on the Habs in scoring with 35 points but even more impressive perhaps is the fact that he leads the team with a +11 and is one of only three Montreal players with a plus rating.
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