Hockey teams love a shiny new toy. Whether it’s a top draft pick, a hyped-up trade acquisition, or someone who had one good playoff run, front offices have a way of convincing fans they’ve landed the next big thing.
But not every “franchise savior” lives up to the hype. In fact, some of them barely even lived up to their own marketing campaigns. Let’s look at 20 NHL players who were promoted like elite stars but flopped like a Zamboni on gravel.
20. Alexander Daigle
He was supposed to be the next Gretzky, but he ended up being more famous for that quote than his play. Ottawa tried everything to make him the face of the franchise, but the on-ice performance just never followed.
19. Ville Leino
Buffalo handed him a big contract and tried to sell him as a top-line threat. He rewarded them with almost no production and one of the most forgettable tenures in Sabres history.
18. Nail Yakupov
A No. 1 pick with tons of hype, Yakupov was marketed as Edmonton’s future star. Turns out he was more of a warning label for scouting departments everywhere.
17. Scott Gomez
The Rangers treated Gomez like a centerpiece when they signed him to a huge deal. He played like a role player with a VIP salary and quickly became a punchline.
16. Wade Redden
Once a reliable blueliner, Redden was turned into a marquee signing in New York. Then his play nosedived and he spent more time buried in the minors than lifting the team.
15. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
He was one of many hyped Oilers’ top picks, pushed as a franchise savior. While he’s had a solid career, the “superstar” label was way too generous early on.
14. Cam Barker
Chicago talked him up as a top-pair defenseman of the future. He ended up bouncing around the league and disappearing quicker than his hype did.
13. Jonathan Cheechoo
One Rocket Richard Trophy turned into a whole brand push. But he couldn’t recapture the magic and fell off the map not long after.
12. Thomas Vanek
Buffalo handed him a massive offer sheet and tried to sell him as the next great scorer. He was good, but he was never quite the guy they made him out to be.
11. Patrik Stefan
The first-ever pick for the Atlanta Thrashers came with big expectations. Unfortunately, most fans remember him best for missing an empty net.
10. Nikita Filatov
Columbus hyped Filatov as a flashy, dynamic scorer. Instead, he flamed out almost immediately and never stuck in the NHL.
9. Dave Bolland
After some clutch playoff moments, Bolland was treated like a top-line cornerstone in Florida. But his body and game didn’t hold up, and the Panthers got burned.
8. Mikhail Grigorenko
Buffalo fans were told he’d be their next elite center. Instead, he spent more time getting healthy scratches than making any real impact.
7. Joffrey Lupul
When healthy, Lupul could light it up—but Toronto marketed him like a core piece for years. Injuries and inconsistency made that a tough sell.
6. Andrew Raycroft
Toronto hyped him as a franchise goalie after a trade. He had one good season and then fell apart, taking the Leafs’ playoff hopes with him.
5. Jared Cowen
Ottawa saw him as a shutdown defenseman of the future. That never materialized, and he became more known for his contract than his actual play.
4. Gilbert Brule
Columbus pushed Brule as a can’t-miss star. Turns out, they should’ve missed—he never found his NHL footing.
3. Zach Bogosian
The marketing said “elite defender.” The reality said “overpaid and overhyped.”
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2. Brett Connolly
He was a high draft pick who kept getting marketed as a breakout candidate. But despite all the chances, he stayed solidly mediocre.
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1. Jeff Skinner
Buffalo sold Skinner as a franchise cornerstone when they gave him a massive deal. Then he vanished into the shadows of the depth chart, leaving fans wondering what happened.
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