These 5 NHL Players Are DEFYING Logic in 2024-25 (No. 3 Will Shock You!)
Every NHL season brings unexpected breakout performances—whether from veterans proving their doubters wrong or underrated players seizing their moment. The 2024-25 campaign has been no different, delivering unforgettable storylines that showcase hockey’s unpredictable magic.
Here are five of the league’s most remarkable overachievers this season.
Matt Duchene, C, Dallas Stars
After a solid 65-point season in 2023-24, Matt Duchene chose to remain in Dallas on a bargain one-year, $3 million deal—a decision that has paid off tremendously. The 34-year-old center has been a revelation, ranking second on the Stars in scoring with 29 goals and 78 points in 76 games.
With seven games left, his next goal will secure just the third 30-goal season of his career. Arguably one of the NHL’s best value contracts this year, Duchene is primed for a deep playoff run with the Stars.
Jesper Bratt, LW, New Jersey Devils
As a former sixth-round pick, Jesper Bratt has always outperformed expectations—but this season, he’s taken his game to new heights. The Swedish winger was already enjoying a career year before Jack Hughes’ injury, and many expected his production to dip afterward. Instead, Bratt has thrived alongside Nico Hischier, tallying 16 assists and 20 points in 15 games since Hughes went down.
This marks his second straight point-per-game campaign (following an 83-point season in 2023-24), and if he keeps this up, he could single-handedly propel the Devils into playoff contention.
Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have been one of the NHL’s most surprising teams, and Werenski has been at the heart of their resurgence. Previously a consistent 50-point defenseman held back by a weak roster, he’s now second among NHL blueliners with 74 points, trailing only Cale Makar.
Columbus’ offensive explosion (jumping from 25th to 10th in goals per game) has unlocked Werenski’s full potential. He also leads the league in average ice time (27:01 per game), becoming the first player since Dustin Byfuglien (2016-17) to log over 27 minutes nightly.
In most seasons, he’d be the Norris Trophy favorite—but even without the hardware, the Blue Jackets know they have a franchise defenseman for years to come.
Ryan Donato, C, Chicago Blackhawks
On a struggling Blackhawks team, Ryan Donato has been a rare bright spot. The 28-year-old forward, once considered a trade deadline candidate due to his affordable $2 million cap hit, is now one goal away from his first 30-goal season and is tied with Connor Bedard for the team lead in points (59 in 74 games).
While his elevated role on a thin roster has helped his numbers, there’s no denying Donato has shattered expectations—giving Chicago at least one positive takeaway from this season.
Mikael Granlund, C, Dallas Stars
Amid a trade deadline that saw stars like Mikko Rantanen and Brad Marchand moved, Granlund has quietly been one of the year’s best acquisitions. After putting up 45 points in 52 games on a struggling Sharks team, he continued his strong play post-deadline with Dallas, recording 18 points in 25 games despite reduced ice time.
GM Jim Nill’s addition of Granlund has given the Stars even more depth, making an already dangerous team even tougher to face in the playoffs.
Image - Talia Sprague-Imagn
