Under Pressure: 5 Veterans With Everything To Prove This Playoff

Every NHL player faces heightened expectations in the playoffs, but some seasoned veterans have even more to prove this postseason.

Whether due to past playoff shortcomings or a ticking clock on their Stanley Cup aspirations, these players are running out of chances to cement their legacies.

Here are five notable NHL veterans—listed alphabetically—who must rise to the occasion this spring.

Claude Giroux, C, Ottawa Senators

Giroux has long been a dependable regular-season performer, tallying 49 points in 78 games this year. Yet at 37, he remains without a Stanley Cup, and with his first playoff appearance in three years, he needs to elevate his game.

His recent playoff performances have been underwhelming: just eight points in 10 games with Florida in 2022 and a meager 12 points in 28 games over three postseasons with Philadelphia. 

Time is running out for Giroux, and the Senators will rely on him to provide secondary scoring behind stars Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle.

Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets

Hellebuyck is the front-runner for the Vezina Trophy after a stellar regular season (44-12-3, .924 SV%, 2.02 GAA). But his playoff struggles loom large—last year, he posted an alarming 5.23 GAA and .870 SV%, and in 2022-23, his numbers were nearly as shaky.

At 31, Hellebuyck must finally prove he can be a playoff difference-maker. The Jets’ success hinges on him exorcising his postseason demons and leading them on a deep run—anything less will be a disappointment.

Patrik Laine, RW, Montreal Canadiens

Laine has been a consistent goal-scorer (20 goals in 48 games this season), but his playoff experience has been limited—just seven games since 2018, with three goals in that span.

Now with Montreal, he must show he can be a clutch performer. The Canadiens enter as underdogs, but if Laine can’t contribute offensively and help them challenge their first-round opponent, it will raise further questions about his impact in high-stakes hockey.

Jacob Markström, G, New Jersey Devils

Acquired to stabilize New Jersey’s goaltending, Markström had a middling regular season (.899 SV%, 2.53 GAA). But the playoffs are where he must justify the Devils’ faith in him.

Though his career playoff numbers (.911 SV%, 2.90 GAA) are respectable, he has only 26 postseason appearances—none since 2022. Facing Carolina in the first round, he must outplay his regular-season form to silence doubts about New Jersey’s goaltending future.

Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

No player faces more pressure than Marner, a pending UFA whose next contract hinges on his playoff performance. While his career postseason numbers (50 points in 57 games) are strong, team success has eluded him—and another early exit could spell the end of his tenure in Toronto.

If the Leafs fall short again, Marner will shoulder much of the blame, especially if he disappears in elimination games (as he has in past years). A deep run could earn him a massive payday; an early exit might make him the scapegoat—and a prime candidate for a blockbuster move.

Image - Rob Gray-Imagn