Sometimes players just don't work with certain teams for intangible reasons. They could be newcomers who don't gel properly or veterans simply needing to move on and reignite their game.
A change of scenery can sometimes go a long way toward revitalizing careers. Ahead of next week's trade deadline, let's look at five players who would benefit from heading to a new team.
P.K. Subban, New Jersey Devils
Subban is currently enduring the worst statistical season of his career, with his start as a Devil almost going as poorly as possible. His team is near the bottom of the standings, and many fingers are pointing at him for underperforming since arriving from the Nashville Predators last summer.
On pace for just eight goals and 18 points this season, Subban will surely be looking to return to his former self next year. After this campaign, there are two more years left on his contract that carry a $9-million annual cap hit. The Devils are looking to rebuild around their youthful core, which means parting ways with the soon-to-be 31-year-old Subban can be mutually beneficial.
The defenseman still possesses the drive and raw skills to return to the elite form that earned him a Norris Trophy in 2013. However, there may not be many teams willing to take on the veteran's cap hit after his disastrous play this season.
Jesse Puljujarvi, Edmonton Oilers
Taken with the fourth overall selection in 2016, Puljujarvi never worked out as expected in Edmonton. Some blame can be placed on Puljujarvi being rushed into the NHL as an 18-year-old. Over three seasons, he's laced up in 139 games while managing only 17 goals and 37 points.
Puljujarvi is still just 21 years old with immense potential. His game never transitioned to the NHL with the Oilers, but his skills are unquestionable. After requesting a trade from Edmonton during the offseason, Puljujarvi opted to play with Karpat in the Finnish Elite League when he wasn't moved. He's played extremely well overseas, tallying 18 goals and 44 points in 46 games, which is good for sixth in the league's points race.
With Edmonton likely heading to the playoffs, Puljujarvi's name will surely be dangled around as the trade deadline looms. He can't play in the NHL this season, but teams looking ahead to next year and beyond may show interest. A change could help rejuvenate the dynamic youngster's NHL career.
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
For much of the last decade, Quick was among the NHL's best netminders. But the last two years have been a different story.
Prior to the 2018-19 season, Quick's career save percentage was .917 and his goals-against average sat at 2.27. His save percentage has significantly dropped to .892 over the past two seasons, and he owns an inflated 3.20 goals-against average.
At even strength this season, Quick's expected save percentage is .916, whereas his actual save percentage is .907. His high-danger save percentage is .787, which ranks 26th among the 48 goaltenders who have played 1,000-plus minutes. However, while playing behind a middling and rebuilding Kings team, Quick still shows flashes of his old form despite the poor surface stats.
The 34-year-old carries a $5.8-million annual cap hit through 2022-23, making him a tough gamble for goalie-needy teams. With Cal Petersen looking ready to take the reins in net for Los Angeles, it may be time for the Kings to move on from the former Conn Smythe winner.
There are a number of teams in need of a reliable goaltender, and Quick can rebound if he's placed behind the right group.
Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers
Gostisbehere finished second in the 2016 Calder Trophy voting following a promising start to his career.
After recording 24 goals and 85 points in 140 games over his first two seasons, the Flyers inked him to a six-year, $27-million deal in 2017. Gostisbehere posted 13 goals and a career-high 65 points in his first year of the contract, but he's failed to return to that level this season and last.
He's missed recent games due to injury, but Gostisbehere was a healthy scratch a couple of times earlier this season. He's notched just five goals and 12 points in 41 games in 2019-20, and the defenseman hasn't been driving offense as well as usual.
His high-danger goals-for percentage sits at 34.78% this season after he averaged greater than 50% in three of the last four campaigns. A lack of offensive firepower paired with average defending skills is hindering his impact.
Gostisbehere's contract carries an average annual value of $4.5 million and he's signed through 2022-23. His contract can be a bargain if he bounces back. His talent as a reliable puck-moving defenseman is undeniable, but his inconsistency is a cause for concern in Philadelphia. That could be a product of Gostisbehere's skill set not fitting the Flyers' style under new head coach Alain Vigneault.
The return for the young blue-liner would also be good for the Flyers, who need an offensive boost.
Kyle Turris, Nashville Predators
The Predators gave up a pretty hefty sum to acquire Turris in 2017, parting with two high-end prospects and a second-round pick. They also immediately inked him to a six-year, $36-million extension. He performed adequately during his first year in Nashville, potting 13 goals and adding 29 assists. He's struggled to match those numbers since.
In the 107 games he's played since the 2018-19 campaign began, Turris has amassed just 16 goals and 51 points. This season he's averaging 15:06 of ice time per game while playing on many different lines. Turris scored 20-plus goals three times during his tenure with the Senators, but he's on pace for only 12 this year after scoring seven in 55 games last season.
Before Matt Duchene's arrival this past summer, Turris offered the Predators depth down the middle. With Duchene and Ryan Johansen entrenched as the team's top centers, there isn't as strong of a need for Turris anymore.
He can benefit from being moved to another club that would play him at his natural position in a top-six role. Signed through the 2023-24 season with a $6-million cap hit, a franchise would really have to trust Turris to rebound in a new environment.
(Advanced stats source: Natural Stat Trick)
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